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'THERE WAS BLOOD EVERYWHERE'

M1 crash hero who comforted badly injured girl, 5, says blood-filled minibus was a ‘war zone’ after eight people were killed in smash with two lorries

A HAVE-a-go hero who stopped his taxi to comfort badly injured girl, 5, says blood-filled minibus was a "war zone" after eight people were killed in horror M1 smash.

ADHD charity advocate Brett Smith, 36, from Milton Keynes spoke of his horror as he held the little girl’s hand at the scene.

 Eight people have died after a minibus was "practically flattened" in a collision on the M1
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Eight people have died after a minibus was "practically flattened" in a collision on the M1Credit: London News Pictures
 Brett rushed to the scene from his taxi
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Brett rushed to the scene from his taxi

The dad-of-two, who himself has been involved in two smashes as a child, jumped in to help as he said “it’s what any parent would do”.

He was travelling home with some friends after a night out when his taxi came across the scene.

He said: "I could see everything. It was not pretty – it was a war zone.

“We came across the incident and instinctively I said ‘stop’ so I could jump out and offer help.

"There was no emergency services there at the time.

“I heard [the girl] crying. She was probably only three-years-old, and she was the only child I could hear and talk to. I could see her face to face. I still see her now when I close my eyes.

"There was blood everywhere.

“Just the child was screaming. She was trapped underneath a sat. I was getting her to hold my hand and my arm.

 Emergency services are working to clear the scene of the crash this morning
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Emergency services are working to clear the scene of the crash this morningCredit: London News Pictures
 The accident has closed part of the M1 with police saying several people have died
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The accident has closed part of the M1 with police saying several people have diedCredit: London News Pictures
 Brett Smith, 36, showing the injuries he sustained by helping at the crash
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Brett Smith, 36, showing the injuries he sustained by helping at the crash

“She was trying to pull herself out at the same time. But she was properly trapped. There was only enough space for me to slip my arms through."

He described the little girl as being "traumatised".

Eight people died in the horror collision, and a further four people - including a five-year-old girl - have been taken to hospital with "serious" or "life-threatening" injuries.

Brett added: "I really feel for the family. There were so many members in one vehicle. I think they are just one family.

“No one wants to see children in danger. If you’re a dad like I am it’s even worse. Any parent would instinctively jump in to help."

 Four people were taken to hospital in the horror
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Four people were taken to hospital in the horrorCredit: London News Pictures
 The mangled wreck of the minibus and lorry is towed away from the M1
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The mangled wreck of the minibus and lorry is towed away from the M1Credit: London News Pictures

Six men and two women have died in the horror pile-up after two lorries collided with a minibus carrying children leaving it "practically flat" on the M1.

A suspected drunk-driver and another motorist have been arrested in connection with the terrifying smash.

A 31-year-old man from Worcestershire has been arrested on suspicion of one count of causing death by dangerous driving and one count of driving a motor vehicle when above the alcohol limit.

Another lorry driver, a 53-year-old from Stoke-on-Trent, was also arrested and is currently being quizzed on suspicion of one count of causing death by dangerous driving.

The motorway was closed southbound between junctions 14 and 15 near Milton Keynes but has since reopened.


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