An inquest begins into the death of a Cambridgeshire man who drove the wrong way on a motorway after a crash that killed four other people, including two children

An inquest has been launched into the death of a Cambridgeshire man who died in a crash after driving the wrong way on the M6 ​​in Cumbria.

Richard Woods (40) was driving a Skoda southbound on the northbound carriageway when he collided with a Toyota traveling in the opposite direction on October 15.

Woods died at the scene, as did four people traveling in the Toyota – driver Jarosław Rossa, 42, of Kilvaxter Drive, Glasgow, his two sons Filip, 15, and seven-year-old Dominic and passenger Jade McEnroe, 33, from Glasgow.

Jade’s son, Arran, 7, was also in the vehicle and was taken to hospital with serious injuries.

An inquest into Mr Woods’ death was held at Cockermouth Coroner’s Court yesterday.

A court spokesman said the hearing was adjourned to a date yet to be confirmed.

After the tragedy, Filip and Dominik’s mother, Kamila, said: ‘We are devastated by the death of our beloved angels – Filip and Dominik.

“Filip was very intelligent, sensitive and full of love. We will never forget his smile, open arms and words “hugs, hugs” (hugs, hugs). He was fascinated by computer games, but he was also incredibly good at chess. He loved chemistry and dreamed of studying at the University of Glasgow.

“Dominik was always smiling, very determined and sociable. He was extremely caring, always thinking about others first and was the first to help when someone was in trouble. Always surrounded by a group of friends of all ages. He loved dinosaurs and Pokémon, but most of all he loved penguins and dreamed of adopting one.

“Our lives will never be the same again.”

In tribute to her sons, Filip and Dominik, their mother Kamila said: “We are devastated by the death of our beloved angels – Filip and Dominik.

“Filip was very intelligent, sensitive and full of love. We will never forget his smile, open arms and words “hugs, hugs” (hugs, hugs). He was fascinated by computer games, but he was also incredibly good at chess. He loved chemistry and dreamed of studying at the University of Glasgow.

“Dominik was always smiling, very determined and sociable. He was extremely caring, always thinking about others first and was the first to help when someone was in trouble. Always surrounded by a group of friends of all ages. He loved dinosaurs and Pokémon, but most of all he loved penguins and dreamed of adopting one.

“Our lives will never be the same again.”

Following the collision, Cumbria Police appealed for witnesses to come forward.

In a statement, the police said: ‘Officers were called to an incident on October 15 at 4.04pm following reports of a Skoda traveling southbound on the northbound carriageway.

“Officers were en route when further reports were received. There was a head-on collision with a Toyota.

“The Skoda driver, a 40-year-old man from Cambridgeshire, was pronounced dead at the scene.

“The driver of the Toyota, a 42-year-old man, a 33-year-old woman and two boys aged 15 and 7, all from Glasgow, were pronounced dead at the scene.

“The fifth person in the Toyota, a 7-year-old boy, also from Glasgow, was taken to the Royal Victoria Infirmary in Newcastle where he remains in a serious condition.”

“Anyone with information relating to this incident can report it online at www.cumbria.police.uk/report-it, quoting incident number 146 of 15 October 2024.

“You can also call 101.

“Alternatively you can contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.”