Two Ryanair pilots died in a crash on the M62 near Liverpool after a 17-hour shift, with an HGV driver jailed for dangerous driving
Ryanair Pilot’s Widow Speaks After Lorry Driver Sentenced
The widow of a Ryanair pilot killed in a crash has shared her struggle as the lorry driver responsible is jailed.
Hannah Greenhalgh spoke at Liverpool Crown Court before HGV driver Anthony Burns, 63, was sentenced.
Details of the Crash
| Event | Date | Location | Involved Parties |
|---|---|---|---|
| Collision | July 11, 2024 | M62 | Matt Greenhalgh, Jamie Fernandes, Rashid Mehmood |
| Sentencing | Not specified | Liverpool Crown Court | Anthony Burns |
Captain Matt Greenhalgh, 28, and Senior First Officer Jamie Fernandes, 24, died in the crash after finishing a 17-hour shift.
They had flown from Liverpool to Palma and returned that evening. They then flew an empty jet to Luton, landing at 1:14 AM before the crash.
The crash also left taxi driver Rashid Mehmood with serious injuries, including broken ribs and a broken shoulder.
Statements from the Widow and Families
Mrs. Greenhalgh fought back tears as she gave an emotional statement. She recalled kissing her husband goodbye on July 10, just months after their wedding.
She said, “At 27, after three months’ marriage, I became a widow. I struggle to see how I can have a future after everything was taken from me.”
Mr. Mehmood described how he has “not driven a taxi since” the incident and struggles with anger.
Details of the Driver’s Actions
Anthony Burns admitted to two counts of causing death by dangerous driving and one count of causing serious injury by dangerous driving.
The court heard that Burns ignored a 40 mph advisory speed limit due to weather and traffic. He only hit the brakes one second before crashing into Mr. Mehmood’s taxi.
Burns was not on his phone or under the influence of drugs or alcohol at the time of the crash.
Sentencing and Reactions
Judge Simon Medland sentenced Burns to ten years in prison and banned him from driving for 150 months. He must also pass an extended retest before driving again.
Burns was described as “riven with remorse” and had no prior accidents in 30 years as a commercial driver.
Mr. Greenhalgh’s family expressed their sorrow, stating he had a passion for life and achieved much in a short time.
Ryanair announced plans to erect a plaque in memory of the two pilots at the East Midlands Training Centre.
