Woman, 45, and three children aged 11 to 13 die in eight-vehicle pile-up in Berkshire as man is arrested on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving
Six ambulance crews rushed to the scene in Berkshire
A HORROR crash has killed a woman and three children - after an eight-vehicle pile-up on the A34 in Berkshire during rush-hour last night.
The 45-year-old woman, a 13-year-old boy and an 11-year-old boy and girl from Bedfordshire were all travelling in the same car when they died.
Three other cars and four lorries were caught up in the fatal crash at around 5pm yesterday.
Dozens of emergency services were dispatched to the scene including specialist medics from the hazardous response unit.
One man was flown by helicopter to hospital in a critical condition.
Another man and teenage boy were also rushed to hospital with minor injuries, but they have since been sent home.
Nine others suffered injuries and were treated at the scene.
A 30-year-old man from Andover was arrested on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving.
He has been bailed until October 5, police said.
Horrified motorists reported seeing bodies lying in the road and posted photos of standstill traffic on social media, which left many stranded for hours last night.
The carriageway was closed for more than 12 hours.
The crash near East Ilsley happened on a stretch of road known as a notorious blackspot which has been subject to campaigns to reduce the speed limit.
When are they going to do something about this road! 4 innocent people won’t be going home to there families tonight.
Ashleigh Moss
A police officer at the scene described it as "very, very difficult".
Ashleigh Moss wrote on Facebook: “When are they going to do something about this road! 4 innocent people won’t be going home to there families tonight!”
Alex Rawlings posted: “A34 completely shut massive accident will definitely be a fatal as could see at least 2 bodies covered over in road.”
Mike Eagles wrote on Facebook: “Thoughts and prayers to those involved in the horrific pile up on the A34. Terrible scene. Avoid A34 north of M4. Nothing will be moving for hours.”
The northbound carriageway of the A34, between Chieveley at junction 13 of the M4 and between the West Ilsley junction was closed in both directions until approximately 6.30am.
Investigators worked through the night to gather evidence and remove the wreckage of four cars and four lorries which were involved in a rush hour pile-up as well as repair a section of the road to make it safe for reopening.
Police are investigating the cause of the collision and are appealing for any witnesses to come forward.
Chief Inspector Henry Parsons, head of the Joint Operations Unit for Roads Policing, said: “Our thoughts are with anyone affected by this tragedy.
"Can I ask anyone who witnessed the collision, including anyone travelling on the southbound carriageway who saw anything they believe is significant, to contact police.”
Our thoughts are with anyone affected by this tragedy.
Chief Inspector Henry Parsons
Michelle Archer, a spokesman for South Central Ambulance Service, said: "We were assessing and treating a total of 16 patients.
"Four people were confirmed deceased at the scene.
"Two patients were taken by land ambulance to Royal Berkshire Hospital with minor injuries.
"One patient, a male, was flown to the John Radcliffe Hospital with serious injuries.
"Nine patients were assessed and treated at the scene but didn't require hospital treatment."
The southbound lane was closed as two air ambulances were flown to the scene of the smash and specialist medics were sent from the hazard response team.
Paramedics treated nine crash victims for minor injuries but they were considered "walking wounded" and did not require further medical treatment.
Tailbacks stretched for six miles from the A23 near Newbury, in Berkshire, last night into neighbouring Hampshire, and shell-shocked bystanders got out of their vehicles and waited in the road as the chaos unfolded.
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