Two girls among six killed in ‘absolutely tragic’ horror crash near Wakefield

Get the free Morning Headlines email for news from our reporters around the world

Sign up for our free Morning Headlines email

Two young women are among six people who died in a horror crash described as “devastating” by the local MP.

The children died after a car collided with a motorbike on the A61 between Staincross, Barnsley and Newmillerdam, Wakefield, on Sunday afternoon.

The two girls, a woman and a man, who were all traveling in the Ford Focus car, were confirmed dead at the scene on a country road near a golf course – as were the motorcyclist and the male passenger and a woman.

Describing the incident as “absolutely tragic”, West Yorkshire Police said emergency services rushed to the scene near the village of Mapplewell after being alerted to the crash at 3.54pm.

Footage from the latter scene shows a burnt, blackened and mangled car on a grass verge. Debris can be seen scattered across the road near the crashed vehicle.

The road has been closed between Shaw Lane and Warren Lane and is likely to remain closed for some time as police carry out an investigation.

The local MP described the tragedy as “devastating” as he sent his condolences on Sunday night.

Security Minister Dan Jarvis, who is MP for Barnsley North, told X: “Devastating news. Sincere condolences go out to the family and friends of those who tragically lost their lives.”

Superintendent Alan Travis of Wakefield District Police said: “This is an absolutely tragic incident which has resulted in the loss of six lives.

“Our thoughts go out to the families of those who have died who we are working with to provide support at this time.”

Anyone with information was asked to contact West Yorkshire The police calling 101, quoting reference 1157 of 7/21.