Horrifying moment driver speeds the wrong way down M25 into oncoming traffic before killing ‘beautiful’ mum-of-eight
THIS is the terrifying moment a “selfish” driver speeds into oncoming M25 traffic before killing a “beautiful” mum-of-eight.
Horrifying footage shows Barancan Nurcin, 22, flying down the wrong side of the motorway while he swerves around cars.
He recklessly takes an emergency access road off the main carriageway before barreling through oncoming traffic to evade cops.
The driver fails to brake as he comes within a hair’s breadth of smashing into other vehicles.
Zoe was the heart of our blended family. She was a role model to everyone and the centre of our family
Zoe's grieving family
Hertfordshire Constabulary captured the alarming chase, at around 3.40am on February 4, in which Nurcin devastatingly killed two people.
The shamed driver was sentenced to 18 years in jail after being convicted of death by dangerous driving.
Nurcin had also been behind the wheel without a license after it was stripped from him in 2021 for drug driving.
It is the longest sentence to have been given for the charge.
He sparked the fatal chase after cops were alerted to a stolen Citroen Dispatch van on the M1, and the 22-year-old refused to pull over twice for different patrols.
Tragedy struck when Nurcin smashed the van into a silver DFSK 580 Glory.
Passenger Zoe Hawes was on her way to Luton Airport to celebrate her 40th birthday.
The 39-year-old died at the scene, while her husband was placed in a medically induced coma.
He suffered severe injuries to his face, broke bones throughout his body and bleeding on the brain.
The heartbroken victim had to be told multiple times that his wife had died due to memory loss.
Nurcin also killed his passenger, Fahad Dek, who was just 23-years-old when he died in February this year.
Meanwhile, two other vehicles – a silver Skoda Superb and a black Peugeot 5008 – crashed into debris from the fatal collision which left five people injured.
But this wasn’t enough to make Nurcin stop and he fled the scene, mercilessly leaving behind his friend dying in the passenger seat.
The monster was arrested at hospital after officers brought him in.
They later discovered Nurcin had been stripped of his license in 2021 after being caught driving on cannabis.
Nurcin, from Tottenham, pleaded guilty to two counts of causing death by dangerous driving, causing death whilst unlicensed, causing death whilst uninsured and four of causing serious injury by dangerous driving on March 26.
He was sentenced to 18 years in jail at St Albans Crown Court on Friday.
Officers had been pursuing the van shortly before the horror unfolded but abandoned the chase after they determined it was too high risk.
The Independent Office for Police Conduct are now investigating the circumstances.
‘MUCH LOVED MUM’
In a tribute, Zoe’s grieving family said: “Zoe was the heart of our blended family. She was a role model to everyone and the centre of our family.
“She was a very much loved mum, step-mum, sister, aunt and lovely young nanna.
“She was a friend to many. She was very much looking to go on holiday to celebrate her 40th with her husband.
“Sadly a holiday and birthday she didn’t get to celebrate. We are all trying to pull together as a family and are devastated to lose Zoe in this tragic way.
“We wouldn’t have changed her for the world and she leaves an enormous hole in our family that will never be filled.
“We love you and will miss you forever.”
Chief Inspector Steve O’Keeffe, from the RPU, said: “Although nothing can make up for the pain Nurcin has caused, I am pleased with today’s result. Nurcin’s actions have had catastrophic consequences causing the deaths of two innocent people.
“Many more lives have also been destroyed through the trauma and heartache he has caused. The impact of this dreadful collision cannot be overstated and my thoughts are with the victims’ loved ones.
“Zoe Hawes was a much loved mother and grandmother whose life was cruelly cut short because of Nurcin. Zoe’s husband will require intensive therapy for a long period of time to assist with physical movement, communication and cognitive skills. He currently has no sight in one of his eyes.
“Fahad Dek was just twenty-three, with his whole life ahead of him. He was described by his family as a pillar of strength and they dearly miss him.
“That Nurcin left Fahad in the vehicle, whilst trying to evade officers, speaks volumes of his character.
“Nurcin had plenty of opportunity to safely pull over for police. Instead, he ignored our officers and made the incomprehensible decision to drive towards oncoming traffic, knowingly putting the public at risk.
“I hope today’s result goes some way in easing the pain of all those affected by the utterly selfish and dangerous actions of Nurcin.”