Bus driver arrested over M62 hen party tragedy

West Yorkshire Police confirmed last night that a 62-year-old man from Bradford has been arrested on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving, following the crash with a lorry on April 26.

A force spokesman said the man has been released on bail while inquiries continue.

Bethany Jones, 18, died and 12 people, including her mother Diane, sister Amy, 25, and bride-to-be Stefanie Firth, 24, spent a lengthy period in hospital after suffering serious injuries.

Trainee nurse Bethany, from South Elmsall, was among 21 women on the bus heading to a Liverpool hen party when the incident happened near junction 32 of the westbound M62.

The minibus driver was also injured in the horror smash.

The lorry driver, from St Helen’s, was previously arrested on suspicion of the same offence and remains on police bail.

An inquest into Bethany’s death was opened and adjourned at Wakefield Coroner’s Court last month.

The inquest opening was told Bethany was trapped underneath the overturned Mercedes 25-seater minibus.

The court heard the HGV collided with the back of the minibus on the westbound carriageway, causing it to veer across the carriageway.

Bethany’s brother Ryan Jones earlier paid tribute to his sister, saying: “She was loved by everyone. Nobody could say a bad word about our Bethany. Just at university this year, her first year, the first child to go to university. She was the most beautiful, caring girl I’ve ever met.”