Two of six children killed in A61 motorbike-car crash

A horror crash has killed six people, including two children, on the A61 between Wakefield and Barnsley.

Police said the horror crash between a car and a motorcycle happened this afternoon. A Ford Focus and a motorcycle carrying a passenger accompanied the first reports at 3:45 p.m.

A man, woman and two girls traveling in the car were pronounced dead at the scene on the A61 between Staincross, Barnsley and Newmillerdam, Wakefield.

Another man and a woman, the motorcyclist and the passenger behind the wheel also died in the accident.

A statement from West Yorkshire Police said: “Six people, including four adults and two children, have died in a collision between Wakefield and Barnsley this afternoon (21/7).

“The collision, which involved two vehicles, happened on the A61 Barnsley Road between Staincross, Barnsley and Newmillerdam, Wakefield.

“Emergency services received reports of the incident involving a Ford Focus car and a motorcycle at 3.54pm.

“A motorcyclist and a passenger, a man and a woman, were confirmed dead at the scene.

“An adult, male and female, and two children, who were traveling in the car, were also pronounced dead at the scene.”

The road has been closed between Shaw Lane and Warren Lane and is likely to remain closed for some time, police said.

Superintendent Alan Travis, of Wakefield 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.”

South Yorkshire Fire and Rescue attended the scene. The service said on Sunday afternoon: “We are currently attending a road traffic collision on Wakefield Road, Barnsley. Please avoid the area and take note of the closures below.”

The A61 is a main road that runs from Thirsk, North Yorkshire in the north and Derby in the south. This particular stretch of road is a rural link between West Yorkshire and South Yorkshire.

Anyone with information has been asked to contact West Yorkshire Police by calling 101.

Anyone who witnessed the collision or has dashcam footage who has not already been in contact with police is asked to contact West Yorkshire Police by calling 101 or online at https://www.westyorkshire.police.uk/ LiveChat, citing reference 1157 of 7/21.