Ipswich Man Admits Causing Four Deaths in M25 Horror Crash
Ethan Burdett, 67, from Ipswich Haven Marina, has pleaded guilty to causing the death of four people by careless driving. He appeared at Chelmsford Crown Court on Tuesday 16 April.
Fatal Crash on the M25
The tragedy unfolded on 23 August 2021 around 6.15pm on the M25 near Waltham Abbey. Roads Policing officers rushed to the scene after reports that a lorry had smashed into a minibus.
Careless Driving Blamed
Investigators from the Serious Collision Investigation Unit found Burdett was driving between Junction 27 and Junction 26 when disaster struck. As he neared the exit slip road, he failed to stop for stationary traffic lining up in lane one.
The lorry crashed into the back of the minibus, pushing it forward into a car. Both the minibus and lorry were left badly damaged.
Four Dead, Several Injured
The minibus was carrying 11 passengers returning to London after a day trip to Southend. Four passengers suffered serious injuries, and three more along with the car driver had minor injuries.
- 31-year-old Abigael Muamba from Edmonton Green
- 60-year-old Dexter Augustus from Waltham Forest
- 59-year-old Jennifer Smith from Stratford
- 44-year-old Lisa Gardiner from Walthamstow (died later from injuries)
All four tragically lost their lives due to the horrific collision.
