Two young girls among six people killed in ‘absolutely tragic’ horror crash near Wakefield

Two young girls are among six people who have been killed in a horror crash described as “devastating” by the local MP.

The children died when a car collided with a motorbike on the A61 between Staincross, Barnsley , and Newmillerdam, Wakefield , on Sunday afternoon.

The two girls, a woman and a man who were all travelling in the Ford Focus car were confirmed dead at the scene on a country road close to a golf course – as were the motorcyclist and pillion passenger, a man and a woman.

Describing the incident as “absolutely tragic”, West Yorkshire Police said emergency services rushed to the site near the village of Mapplewell after being alerted to the crash at 3.54pm.

Pictures from the scene in the aftermath show a burnt-out, blackened, mangled car on a grass verge. Near the wrecked vehicle, debris can be seen strewn across the road.

The road has been closed between Shaw Lane and Warren Lane and is likely to remain closed for some time as police carry out an investigation.

The local MP described the tragedy as “devastating” as he sent his condolences on Sunday night.

Security minister Dan Jarvis, who is MP for Barnsley North, said on X: “Devastating news. My heartfelt condolences go to the family and friends of those who have tragically lost their lives.”

Superintendent Alan Travis of Wakefield District Police said: “This is an absolutely tragic incident which has resulted in the loss of six lives.

“Our thoughts go out to the families of those who have died who we are working with to provide support at this time.”

Anyone with any information has been asked to contact West Yorkshire Police by calling 101, quoting reference 1157 of 21/7.