M606 crash: inquests to open into deaths of three men

Sohail Ali, 28; Simon McHugh, 49 and Kyden Leadbeater, 18, were all killed in the crash, which involved a taxi and a Ford Transit van.

It happened at 10.45pm on Monday, June 13.

Mr Ali, the driver of the taxi, and his passenger Mr McHugh were pronounced dead at the scene.

Police at the top of the M606 following the crash

Mr Leadbeater, a passenger in the van, died in hospital the morning after the crash.

Their inquests will be opened by Senior Coroner Martin Fleming at Bradford Coroners' Court.

In an appeal this week, West Yorkshire Police said they are keen to speak with anyone who saw the Ford Transit van driving on Bradford Road, in the vicinity of Moorlands Road, Birkenshaw, shortly before it was involved in the crash.

Police are especially keen to hear from anyone with dashcam footage of the driving prior to the crash, or the collision itself, pledging to treat it in strict confidence.

The other passenger in the van, a 17-year-old male, has been discharged from hospital.

Sohail Ali and Simon McHugh

Police revealed he was arrested and interviewed on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving. He has since been released on bail pending further enquiries.

The 15-year-old male driver of the Ford Transit van remains in hospital under arrest on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving.

Detective Inspector Paul Conroy, of the Major Collision Enquiry Team, said: “This is a very tragic incident where three people have lost their lives. Our thoughts are with their families at this time.

“Our investigation into the road traffic collision is ongoing and I would appeal to anyone who saw the Ford Transit Van prior to the collision to come forward.

“We are keen to get any dash cam footage or any social media footage of the driving prior to the collision or the collision itself.

“Footage given to the investigation will be treated in strict confidence.

“The 15-year-old arrested on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving remains in hospital and we will look to interview him when he is fit and able.”

Anyone who has information that can help police with their investigation is asked to contact police via 101 or the live chat options at westyorkshire.police.uk/contactus quoting crime reference 13220319922.