Lorry driver jailed after M25 horror smash killed four passengers on minibus

Burdett, of Ipswich, admitted causing death by careless driving at Chelmsford Crown Court.”You lifted your foot from the accelerator one second before the collision.

Burdett, 67, ignored signs warning of queuing traffic, applying his brakes just a second before ploughing into the minibus
Burdett, 67, ignored signs warning of queuing traffic, applying his brakes just a second before ploughing into the minibusCredit: PA
Victims top, left to right, Lisa Gardiner, 44, and Dexter Augustus, 60, bottom, left to right, Jennifer Smith, 59, and Abigael Muamba, 31,
Victims top, left to right, Lisa Gardiner, 44, and Dexter Augustus, 60, bottom, left to right, Jennifer Smith, 59, and Abigael Muamba, 31,Credit: PA

Ethan Burdett, 67, ignored signs warning of queuing traffic on the M25. Ms Smith’s daughter Nicola Elliott said it has “left an indescribable void”, while Mr Augustus’ family called the tragedy their “worst nightmare”.Judge Timothy Godfrey told Burdett: “As you approached the junction there is clear evidence that a warning sign 1.6 miles from the collision warned oncoming traffic there was queuing traffic.Its passengers were returning to a hostel after a day at the seaside.

READ MORE UK NEWS

“You did not at any stage moderate your speed…somewhere between 56 and 58mph.He braked just one second before hitting the bus near Waltham Abbey, Essex, in August 2021.”As a result of the collision four passengers from the minibus died.”Lisa Gardiner, 44, died later in hospital while three others were seriously injured.

Most read in The Sun

“There was no evidence you braked or sought to manoeuvre your vehicle away from the collision in front of you.A LORRY driver who ploughed into the back of a minibus — killing four passengers — was jailed for three years yesterday.Hostel manager Jennifer Smith, 59, plus residents Dexter Augustus, 60, and Abigael Muamba, 31, were killed.

Abigael Muamba, 31, died in the smash
Abigael Muamba, 31, died in the smashCredit: Essex Police
Jennifer Smith was described as a popular figure within her community
Jennifer Smith was described as a popular figure within her communityCredit: Essex Police
Lisa Gardiner was called a 'beautiful wife and mother'
Lisa Gardiner was called a ‘beautiful wife and mother’Credit: Essex Police
Dexter George Augustus was known for his 'vivacious energy'
Dexter George Augustus was known for his ‘vivacious energy’Credit: Essex Police

Leave a Comment