What we know about A61 crash that killed six as man released on bail
Shane Roller, Shannen Morgan and daughters Rubie and Lillie Morgan-Roller, along with couple Christopher and Janine Barton, were killed in the crash on 21 July.
The man arrested following a vehicle crash which killed six people on the A61 between Barnsley and Wakefield has been released on bail.
Shane Roller, 33, his partner Shannen Morgan, 30, and two of their daughters Rubie and Lillie Morgan-Roller, aged nine and four, were killed when their Ford Focus collided with a motorbike carrying Christopher Barton, 56, and Janine Barton, 48.
Poppie Roller, an 11-year-old girl has been left an orphan from the crash that killed her parents and her two sisters, after she decided not to go for a walk with them.
Christopher and Janine Barton, who had recently celebrated their 25th wedding anniversary, were named as the couple riding a BMW S100 XR motorbike who also lost their lives.
West Yorkshire Police said a man was arrested on 24 July on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving. He has been bailed pending further enquiries.
Here is what we know so far about the fatal crash.
What we know
Shane Roller, Shannen Morgan and daughters Rubie and Lillie Morgan-Roller, travelled in the family's Ford Focus near the village of Mapplewell, on the A61 between Barnsley and Wakefield, on Sunday 21 July.
Their third daughter, Poppie, was not in the car after choosing not to go for a walk with her family, instead playing at the home of her best friend.
Her friend's stepfather Paul Hepple - who has since set up a GoFundMe page to support Poppie which has raised more than £350,000 - agreed to look after her after getting a call from her mother Shannen saying she didn't want to go for a walk.
The family group's Ford Focus collided with the BMW S100 XR motorbike carrying Christopher and Janine Barton at 3.54pm and burst into flames. All six people died at the scene. The collision took place between Staincross, Barnsley, and Newmillerdam, Wakefield.
Describing how Poppie wasn't involved in the crash, Hepple said: “Her mum actually contacted us and asked if we could watch Poppie because she didn’t want to go on the walk that they went on.
“So we were watching Poppie as she’s best mates with our daughter. She was with our daughter having fun. And on their way home, that’s when the accident happened.
“We were having Sunday dinner as a family, and Poppie’s auntie was with us and, obviously, Poppie was as well.
“And then she got a phone call and she ended up leaving really quickly to go and see what happened.”
Paying tribute to the Christopher and Janine Barton, they were described by their son as “a loving, caring mum and dad who always put me before everything else".
On the GoFundMe page, Hepple wrote: "At just 11 years old, Poppie has lost her whole world in an instant.
"Despite her unimaginable loss, she shows incredible strength every day. She loves football and playing outdoors. Poppie is also a huge Taylor Swift fan and finds comfort in her music."
In an update on the page on Tuesday morning, Hepple said Poppie is best friends with his stepdaughter and has been staying with them since the crash. He said "every penny" of donations will go directly to Poppie's aunt, her new guardian.
Following the tragedy, Athersley North Primary School issued a statement saying: “It is with the deepest sadness that we address the heart-breaking news about Rubie, Lillie and their parents.
“So many people in our communities will feel this devastating, tragic loss. Rubie was a kind, happy, and caring girl with a lovely personality.
“She always worked really hard and was well-liked by her friends. She was a fantastic role model for her peers and aspired to be a teacher.
“Lillie was a bright, bubbly and happy little girl who was a popular member of her class. She was creative and very determined. Just like her big sister, she too aspired to be a teacher.
“Both girls were an asset to the school and a delight to teach. They were a much-loved part of the school community, and their loss is a devastating blow to everyone who knew them.
“The girls were a credit to their parents, who were always incredibly supportive and who will also be greatly missed. Our heartfelt thoughts are with their sister and her family at this incredibly sad time.”
What we don't know
We don't know the exact circumstances that led to the collision, with police still carrying out an investigation to establish what happened.
Police confirmed on Wednesday that a man had been arrested – but did not provide details on his age, where he's from or what vehicle he had been driving.
Detectives also issued an appeal for anyone who saw a Porsche car being driven in the area around the time of the collision to come forward - but it is not known how this is linked to the investigation.
A friend and former neighbour told MailOnline that the crash had taken away a "perfect family". They added: "Everyone is shocked. But as a truck driver I know accidents do happen - especially on that stretch of road."
While we still don't know if the conditions of the road contributed to the crash, another family friend, Jamie Phillips, suggested it wasn't a safe stretch to travel on.
"For all of us as a community, it's devastating. It's a bad road. I eat at the café on the road regularly and there's more people travel up and down here at stupid speeds," he said.
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The £5k donors making 'enormous difference' to girl orphaned in crash [Money].... already been raised to provide for Poppie's education, living expenses, counselling and future care. Among the donators, which now number more than 11,000, a number of incredibly generous people have donated in excess of £1,000. Lady Weidenfeld has donated £1,000, while John Simister has donated £1,500. There is an anonymous donation for £2,000 and one anonymous donor has given £5,000. [Yorkshire Live]
Neighbour pays tribute A grief-stricken neighbour has shared her last conversation with a family before they were tragically killed in a horrific crash. Megan Plummer wrote: "Shane, Shannen, Rubie and Lillie. Words can't even begin to describe the absolute devastation of what's happened. To be talking to you outside and within an hour you're taken away is just madness and my heart actually hurts, you guys were the kindest family and it has been a pleasure having you as neighbours." [Yorkshire Live]
Plans for future of girl, 11, left orphaned after horror car crash revealed Family friend Paul Hepple said Poppie has been staying with his family after the tragedy as she is best friends with his stepdaughter. However, he revealed she will soon be living with her “loving and capable” aunt, who will become her new guardian. Mr Hepple also disclosed that the donations to the fundraiser will be put towards Poppie’s well-being, including her living expenses, education and any counselling. He added that some funds might be used for the funeral expenses for the 11-year-old’s family. [Independent]
