In a devastating accident on the M6 motorway near Tebay services, five lives were tragically lost on Tuesday afternoon, sending shockwaves through communities in Glasgow and beyond. The victims included Jade McEnroe, 33, and Jaroslaw Rossa, 42, both of whom resided in Glasgow, along with Mr. Rossa’s two sons, Filip, 15, and Dominic, seven. Their Toyota vehicle collided head-on with a Skoda that was being driven the wrong way on the motorway.
The family was returning from what was supposed to be a joyful trip to Legoland when the crash occurred around 4 p.m. Cumbria Police had received reports of a vehicle heading southbound on the northbound carriageway, a potentially deadly mistake. Tragically, before officers could intervene, the Skoda collided with the Toyota, leading to the deaths of everyone involved. The driver of the Skoda, identified as a 40-year-old man from Cambridgeshire, also died on the spot.
While the crash claimed the lives of five people, one young survivor remains in critical condition. Ms. McEnroe’s seven-year-old son, who was traveling with the family, survived the collision but was left with serious injuries. He was immediately airlifted to the Royal Victoria Infirmary in Newcastle for emergency treatment. Though his condition remains critical, there has been an outpouring of support from his family and local community. In an effort to assist with his recovery and support the family during this devastating time, a fundraiser has been launched. The boy’s survival offers a faint glimmer of hope amid the overwhelming loss.
The heartbreaking news of the crash has left many in the Glasgow area mourning the sudden and tragic loss of Jade McEnroe and Jaroslaw Rossa. Tributes have poured in from friends, family, and colleagues, highlighting the deep impact both individuals had on their community. Nicola Thompson, a childhood friend of Ms. McEnroe, expressed her sorrow on social media, sharing that she was “praying” for the young boy, describing him as a “sweet little boy with his whole life ahead of him.” In a heartfelt post, she lamented the “cruelty” of life, while extending her condolences to Ms. McEnroe’s family.
Jaroslaw Rossa, a chef at the popular Wagamama restaurant located in Silverburn shopping center, was well-loved by both his coworkers and guests. Thomas Heier, CEO of Wagamama, issued a statement describing Rossa as a “cherished chef and friend.” Heier highlighted Rossa’s warmth and dedication, noting the significant impression he made during his eight years at the restaurant. “He was a kind soul, and his absence will be felt profoundly by his colleagues and the community,” Heier said.
The crash has left many questions unanswered as authorities continue their investigation into what caused the Skoda driver to head in the wrong direction on one of the UK’s busiest motorways. While the M6 Northbound carriageway has since reopened, the emotional toll on the families of the victims and those who witnessed the horrific scene is profound.
Such incidents, though rare, have occurred before. According to *Highways England*, driving the wrong way on motorways often happens due to driver confusion, especially in areas with complex junctions or where visibility is poor. Efforts have been made in recent years to improve signage and alert systems on major roads, but fatal crashes continue to be an unfortunate reality.
This tragic event is a stark reminder of the potential dangers on the road. As investigations proceed, many are left reflecting on the fragile nature of life and the unimaginable pain suffered by the families and friends of those involved. For the McEnroe and Rossa families, as well as the wider community, the grief is immense, with the loss of multiple lives in a single moment of misfortune. The community now turns its support toward the young boy fighting for his life, as they collectively mourn the tragic loss of his mother, stepfather, and two brothers.