Family’s pet labrador miraculously emerged unharmed from A34 horror smash that killed mum and three kids
Honey was travelling in the same car that killed four members of the same family
A DOG miraculously survived the horror crash that killed four members of the same family - and then found her way out of the wreckage in the middle of an eight-car pile-up.
Labrador Honey was travelling with tragic Tracy Houghton, 45, her two sons Josh and Ethan, aged 11 and 13, and her partner Mark Goldsmith's 11-year-old daughter Amy when they were killed on the A34 in Berkshire.
She is believed to have bolted from the vehicle moments after the smash - and fleed into a nearby field.
Mrs Houghton's partner Mark Goldsmith watched the moment his partner was killed alongside their children as he drove behind them on the dual carriageway.
They were travelling back from a camping trip in the South West to their hometown of Dunstable, Bedfordshire, when their two-car convoy when one car was crushed in between two lorries.
Tracy's partner Mark Goldsmith witnessed the horrific crash and suffered whiplash and a broken rib as he drove his own Vauxhall car with his 13-year-old son Jake as a passenger.
Tracy Houghton was killed alongside her two young boys and her partner's daughter in the A34 crash
His partner's mother Jo Smith told today how their family were devastated by the crash.
She said: "Tracy's partner Mark and his son Jake were in a different car, they were following my daughter.
"They had to take two cars. They were behind my daughter's car. She was behind was behind the lorry and the car got shunted underneath the lorry.
"Mark is in bits. Mark was taken to hospital with a broken rib and whiplash. His son Jake was also released with minor injuries.";
The couple had two dogs, and had split their luggage into two cars to travel in convoy for the holiday, which they set out for on Saturday.
Mrs Houghton had just started a new job at Bedford Council, immediately opposite her home.
She had lived on the same street all her life and was described as "a Dunstable girl."
Neighbours said she was a "hands on parent" and said her sons were "lovely kids."
A neighbour who did not wish to be named said: "They would do anything for anyone.'
White-haired Mrs Smith said she was waiting to speak again with the police.
Relative George Maguire has today spoken of the family's heartbreak.
He told the Evening Standard: “The family are all just heartbroken.
"Mark saw everything.
"He was travelling in the car behind.
"They were all looking forward to a long weekend away.”
A schoolfriend of one of the children, who lived in Bedfordshire, said: “Today one of the most horrible things happened.
"One of the most innocent and nicest boys I know got killed in a car crash on the A34 along with his brother, sister and their mum. All gone, took too soon.”
One of the most innocent and nicest boys I know got killed in a car crash
victim's
Another schoolfriend of the boys added: “R.I.P. I have known you since year 5 you were such a good friend and now you are truly missed by all rest in perfect paradise.”
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 their 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 [their] 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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