Lorry driver admits killing four after crashing into back of minibus
Burdette will be sentenced over the deaths in July. As he approached the exit slip road to junction 26, he failed to react to stationary traffic queuing in lane 1 and collided with the rear of the minibus which – shunted forward and struck a car.




Ethan Burdett, 67, slammed his vehicle into the van that was carrying 11 people in August 2021. They said Abigael, of Edmonton Green, North London was generous and moral with so much life left to give to those she loved. A MAN has admitted to killing four people when his lorry smashed into the back of a minibus. Burdett had been travelling between Junction 27 to Junction 26.
Read more on UK news
Tragically, three people were killed instantly in the Essex smash – while another woman later died of her injuries.Tributes poured in for those killed in the wake of the smash. They added that Lisa, of Walthamstow, Essex was a “beautiful wife and mother”, always full of life with a heart that knew no bounds.Dexter was studying computer programming, electronics and Autocad.
Most read in The Sun
Dexter, of Waltham Forest, North London was described as a loved son, brother, father, grandfather and friend.Abigael Muamba, 31, Dexter Augustus, 60, Jennifer Smith, 59, and Lisa Gardiner, 44, were all killed in the smash. Burdett this week pleaded guilty to causing the death of four people due to careless driving at Chelmsford Crown Court. The 31-year-old was also remembered for her “smile and dedication” to her parents. My thoughts, and those of all my officers who have been involved in the investigation, continue to be with the families and friends who lost their loved ones that evening.Roads Policing officer Detective Inspector Mark Fraser, who led the investigation said: “My thoughts, and those of all my officers who have been involved in the investigation, continue to be with the families and friends who lost their loved ones that evening.”Abigael’s parents said they were “truly heartbroken” and said they will remember her “helpful heart and youthful spirit”. His family said he will be greatly missed and remembered his passion for ice-skating, chess and designing jewellery.
The three-vehicle collision unfolded on the anti-clockwise carriageway near Waltham Abbey, Essex in 2021.Mark Fraser
She left behind a daughter, two sons and five grandchildren.They described her as always considerate, caring towards others and said she would always be there to help family and friends.Her family said she was “loved beyond words” and praised her tireless and selfless work to help vulnerable people, including mothers, babies and adults facing difficulties. The keen plasterer was always on hand to help with construction matters.They added: “We, her family, will never be the same.”Jennifer, a service manager from Stratford, East London, was called a popular figure within her community. Those who knew him said his “vivacious energy made him the life and soul of every gathering”.
READ MORE SUN STORIES
Lisa’s family said she will be hugely missed by all. Four others were also seriously injured.
