British Airways has confirmed that three members of its cabin crew were killed in a fatal vehicle accident close to Heathrow Airport on New Year’s Eve. Two men aged 25 and 23 years old and a 20-year old woman who were all in a Toyota Yaris died at the scene of the accident. A fourth passenger, a 25-year-old woman, is said to be in a “serious condition” in hospital.
“We’re deeply saddened to learn of the death of our colleagues involved in a road traffic collision last night,” a spokesperson for the airline told Sky News.
“Our thoughts are with their family and friends, who we are supporting at this distressing time,” the statement continued.
The accident occurred at around 11.39pm on New Year’s Eve at the junction of Bedfont Road and Long Lane which is a short distance to the south of Heathrow Airport. A white lorry, which appears to belong to the aviation company Dnata, collided with the Yaris according to Surrey Police.
The front of the Yaris was badly damaged and the lorry ended up in a river that runs parallel with the road. The driver of the lorry was taken to hospital as a precaution but his condition remains unknown. No arrests have been made.
There is speculation that the crew members, who are believed to work for BA’s ‘Mixed Fleet’ cabin crew’, had just finished a standby shift at the airport. A Go Fund Me page called the ‘BA Angels Fund’ has been set up and has so far raised over £35,000 in just a few hours.
Next of kin of the victims have been informed but the authorities have not yet released any further information about their identities.
“Our thoughts are with the family and friends of those involved in this collision at what is an extremely difficult time,” said Sergeant Chris Schultze from the Surrey and Sussex Roads Policing Unit.
Sergeant Schultze appealed for any witnesses to come forward as soon as possible by contacting Surrey Police and quoting reference: PR/P19303422
