http://www.chroniclelive.co.uk/news/north-east-news/tributes-paid-family-man-taxi-13022130Tributes paid to 'family man' taxi driver who died after Redheugh Bridge horror crash
A 36-year-old man who died after the crash with a bus on the Redheugh Bridge has been described as a 'lovely respectful guy'
Heartfelt tributes have been paid to a “lovely” family man who died after his taxi collided with a bus on Newcastle’s Redheugh Bridge.
Police say a 36-year-old man, believed to be the taxi driver, was pronounced dead at the scene.
Six people were left injured and the road was closed in both directions for nine hours after the smash on Wednesday night.
Friends of the driver, who has not yet been named by police, have been sharing their tributes on the Chronicle Facebook page.
Karl Fulcher wrote: “My thoughts are with the family and friends of the taxi driver who sadly passed away, he was a lovely respectful guy with a beautiful family, may his soul rest in perfect peace.”
Askir Ali commented: “Lost my friend and a brother RIP my friend” and added “What a great father he was to his kids.”
Another friend Faizan Mohammad wrote: “A great lad who adored his kids, RIP brother” while Shafiq Sandal’s tribute read: “He was a great guy always smiled.”
Other readers passed on condolences to the man’s family, with Annie Fordlass writing: “Rest in peace the young man who sadly lost his life. Thoughts go out to his family and friends. Well wishes go out to all injured and affected by this collision.”
Emergency services were called to the Redheugh Bridge just after 11pm on Wednesday, but the 36-year-old man could not be saved and was pronounced dead at the scene.
A 53-year-old man, thought to be a Stagecoach bus driver, was taken to hospital with a leg injury. His condition is serious but not life-threatening.
The bus was travelling towards Newcastle city centre when the crash happened.
Of the six injured, three were described as having “serious” injuries and were taken to the Royal Victoria Infirmary (RVI) by ambulance.
Three more were taken to the RVI for a precautionary check-up by North East Ambulance Service’s (NEAS) patient transport service vehicle.
A spokesman for NEAS said: “The crash involved a taxi and a bus and three casualties were taken by ambulance to the RVI in Newcastle.
“We pre-alerted the major trauma unit that we were taking them in.
“One patient had serious pelvic injuries, another had an open leg wound and the third was in cardiac arrest.
“There were several other walking wounded, and we dispatched a PTS vehicle and they took three people to the RVI to be checked over.”
Officers investigating the collision say that safety barrier on the bridge was damaged and a large amount of oil spilled onto the road.
On the Newcastle side of the bridge, five police cars and a Newcastle City Council van blocked off the entrance by Grosvenor Casino and were diverting traffic across the Scotswood Bridge.
Firefighters arrived on Thursday morning to repair the bridge and removed damaged fencing.
The southbound lanes were reopened first at around 8am, followed by the northbound direction a few minutes later.
A Northumbria Police spokeswoman said: “Officers are carrying out inquiries and are appealing for witnesses.”
A Stagecoach spokesman added: “Shortly after 11pm on Wednesday a taxi was involved in a collision with one of our buses on Redheugh Bridge heading towards Newcastle city centre.
“Our thoughts and sympathies are with the family of the driver who died and our best wishes remain with the others involved in the incident, including our driver.
“Safety is our highest priority and we will assist police fully with their inquiries into the incident.”
Anyone with any information should contact police on 101 ext 69191, quoting reference 1274 100517.
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