M5 crash victims identified through their dental records

Police revealed yesterday that they have had almost 200 calls from members of the public offering information about the crash on the M5 last Friday which killed seven people.

Avon and Somerset Police said the public response had been "huge" as the inquests opened into the deaths of those killed in the crash in Somerset and their bodies were released for burial. Lorry drivers Kye Thomas, from Gunnislake, Cornwall and Terry Brice, South Gloucestershire, died in the crash, alongside father and daughter Michael and Maggie Barton, from Berkshire, grandparents Anthony and Pamela Adams, from Newport, South Wales, and battle re-enactor Malcolm Beacham, from Woolavington, near Bridgwater.

Speaking outside the hearing in Taunton, Detective Superintendent Mike Courtiour, who is leading the police investigation, said more than 30 police officers and staff were now investigating the crash.

"Since this heartbreaking event occurred we have been working non-stop to establish what happened and those investigations are still very much ongoing.

"We have received a huge number of calls and messages from members of the public and I am very grateful for this. We are working hard to speak with everyone as quickly as possible, however, we need to do so sensitively because some have been injured and understandably are deeply distressed and upset by what they saw. Therefore you will understand that this is likely to take some time."

The court heard that several of the victims had to be identified by their dental records.

The inquest heard that the deaths of Mr Thomas, Mr Brice and Mr and Mrs Adams were as yet "unascertained" pending the results of toxicology results and tissue analysis.

West Somerset Coroner Michael Rose, releasing the bodies to their families for burial, said each death was a "tragedy" and, despite the ongoing criminal investigation, there was no need to keep them for a second post-mortem examination.

He paid tribute to the emergency services saying they reacted with incredible speed and considerable bravery.

Police investigating the crash are focusing their attention on the theory that it was caused by smoke drifting on to the M5 from a fireworks event held at the nearby Taunton Rugby Club.

A total of 51 people were injured in the accident – which involved 37 vehicles and was described as one of the worst British motorway crashes in memory.

A vigil is due to be held tomorrow in Taunton, close to the scene of the crash, which happened on the northbound carriageway near Junction 25.

Meanwhile, Samworth Brothers paid tribute yesterday to their drivers killed and injured in the crash, including Mr Thomas. Tara Davis, transport manager for Samworth Brothers Distribution, said: "Kye had driven for us for 15 years and was a very well-known and respected member of our team.

"He was a genuine and warm friend to everyone here. We also knew him as a dedicated husband and father.

"The news is heartbreaking and our thoughts are with his wife Becki, their four children, family and friends."

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