Residents near A61 crash call for urgent change after horror smash which left six dead as tributes paid

Shane Roller, his partner Shannen Morgan and their daughters Lillie and Rubie died on the A61 near Wakefield and Barnsley at around 3.54pm on Sunday when their Ford Focus was in a collision with a motorbike.

The collision scene remains closed near Staincross, Barnsley and Newmillerdam, Wakefield.

Flowers were being placed this morning at the police cordon with residents left in “shock” that another accident had happened on this road, with this one proving to be fatal, stealing the lives of six people.

A gofundme page set up for the surviving 11-year-old Poppie, who was not in the car, had reached more than £31,000 by Monday lunchtime.

The fundraiser page said: “We are reaching out to you with heavy hearts and a plea for help.

“On 21st July 2024, a tragic car accident took the lives of Poppie’s entire family — her loving mum, dad, and two little sisters.

“At just 11 years old, Poppie has lost her whole world in an instant.”

Mr Roller’s brother Callum wrote on Facebook on Sunday: “I’m absolutely heartbroken I’m gonna miss all of you!

“It’s absolutely broken my heart and it’s absolutely broke both side of families!

“You all had a heart of gold and gonna miss you all like crazy!

“My heart goes out to Shannen's side of family and mine! We are all in absolute shock.”

A man and a woman – the rider and pillion passenger on the motorbike – were also killed.

On Monday morning, tearful residents spoke exclusively to The Yorkshire Post at the scene.

Sharon Mower, 52, left flowers at the police cordon close to the accident.

She said: “It’s absolutely awful.”

Ms Mower had been travelling the same direction shortly after the accident had taken place, diverting the traffic.

She said: “I knew something bad had happened because people speed along here all the time. Something needs to be done.”

Ms Mower struggled to hold back tears as she said it was a stark reminder of how close to home such tragedies can happen.

Commuters were forced to reroute which left some lorry drivers adding “hours” onto their journey. Some people had abandoned their cars to go on foot.

Stephen Massie, 85, had to walk to his appointment from Staincross to Mapplewell due to the road closure.

He said: “It’s a shock.

“I’m shocked really, but they speed along here. They used to have a camera at the end of the road, but that’s gone now.”

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."

Security minister Dan Jarvis, who is MP for Barnsley North, said on X: “Devastating news.

“My heartfelt condolences go to the family and friends of those who have tragically lost their lives.”

Anyone with any information has been asked to contact West Yorkshire Police by calling 101 quoting reference number 1157 of July 21.