MOTORWAY SMASH
Girl, 13, killed and five relatives injured in M61 ‘hit-and-run’ as woman, 23, and man, 28, held for causing death by dangerous driving
A THIRTEEN-YEAR-OLD girl has been killed and five of her relatives injured after a horror crash unfolded on the M61 near Bolton overnight.
The schoolgirl died when the car she was in, a Nissan Qashqai, and a Vauxhall Corsa collided about 10.45pm in Lancashire — cops have since arrested a 23-year-old woman on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving.
3
3
Lancashire Police said the detained woman was from Mirefield in North Yorkshire.
And a 28-year-old man from Dewsbury, West Yorkshire, was also arrested in connection with the terrible incident.
As well as dangerous driving, the man was detained on suspicion of failing to stop at the scene of an accident.
The little girl has since been named as Sana Patel, from Blackburn.
Her mum, dad, two brothers, and grandmother suffered minor injuries in the crash.
Previous reports suggested was 12-years-old at the time of the fatal smash.
'VERY SAD NEWS'
A spokesman for the Tauheedul Islam Girls' High School pupil's family said: "I would like to share very sad news.
"My mum, sister, brother-in-law, niece and two nephews were involved in a car accident on Saturday evening coming from Bolton.
"Sadly my niece passed away at the age of 13.
"The rest have sustained minor injuries and duas (prayers) are needed at this tough time."
Police previously launched a search for those who had been in the Corsa at the time of the crash, with the motorists having fled the scene on foot.
Cops released a direct appeal to the people who had been in the car when it crashed on the northbound carriageway between junction eight and the Bolton West/Rivington services.
'THERE ARE NO WORDS'
Supt Andy Cribbin, of Lancashire Police, said: "First and foremost our thoughts are with the family and friends of the girl Sana.
"There are no words to describe what they will be going through and we send them our deepest condolences at this incredibly difficult time.
"They are currently being supported by specialist officers.
"Our investigation is in the early stages and we are working hard to establish exactly what occurred, and to locate the people who were in the Corsa.
"We are now appealing directly to them.
"We know the car is registered to an address in West Yorkshire and we are appealing for the driver and any passenger at the time of the collision to make contact with us as soon as possible.
"A 12-year-old girl has tragically lost her life, so we would urge them to search their conscience and do the right thing by contacting us.
MOST READ IN NEWS
"We are also asking anybody who saw the collision, or saw either vehicle in the moments before it happened, to get in touch with us as soon as possible."
Anybody with information is asked to get in touch on 101, quoting log 1817 of July 6th.
The M61 was closed in both directions between junctions six and eight while collision investigators attended the scene and reopened at around 9am this morning.
3
We pay for your stories! Do you have a story for The Sun Online news team? Email us at [email protected] or call 0207 782 4368. You can WhatsApp us on 07810 791 502. We pay for videos too. Click here to upload yours.