A devastating collision on the A61 between Wakefield and Barnsley has led to the arrest of a man on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving. The crash, which occurred just before 4 pm on Sunday, tragically claimed the lives of six people, including two children.
Shane Roller, 33, Shannen Morgan, 30, and their daughters Rubie and Lillie Morgan-Roller, aged nine and four respectively, perished when their Ford Focus was involved in the collision. The family was well-loved in their community, and the loss has left many heartbroken.
Also killed in the accident were Christopher Barton, 56, and his wife Janine Barton, 48, who were riding a motorbike at the time. Their son, in a tribute released through West Yorkshire Police, remembered them as “loving, caring” parents who “always put me before everything else.
In response to the tragedy, a GoFundMe page was set up for the Roller and Morgan’s surviving 11-year-old daughter, who was not present during the incident. The fundraiser has collected over £200,000, reflecting the community’s outpouring of support for the young girl who “lost her whole world in an instant,” according to family friend Paul Hepple.
The aftermath of the crash saw the A61 cordoned off as emergency services and investigators worked at the scene. Superintendent Alan Travis of Wakefield District Police called the incident “absolutely tragic” and emphasized the significant loss to the families and community.
As the investigation continues, the West Yorkshire Police’s Major Collision Enquiry Team has appealed to the public for any information related to a grey Porsche 911 seen in the area around the time of the crash. Detective Sergeant Steven Suggitt urged anyone with dashcam, doorbell, or CCTV footage that could assist the investigation to come forward.
