Lorry driver jailed after M25 horror smash killed four passengers on minibus
A LORRY driver who ploughed into the back of a minibus — killing four passengers — was jailed for three years yesterday.
Ethan Burdett, 67, ignored signs warning of queuing traffic on the M25.
He braked just one second before hitting the bus near Waltham Abbey, Essex, in August 2021.
Its passengers were returning to a hostel after a day at the seaside.
Hostel manager Jennifer Smith, 59, plus residents Dexter Augustus, 60, and Abigael Muamba, 31, were killed.
Lisa Gardiner, 44, died later in hospital while three others were seriously injured.
Burdett, of Ipswich, admitted causing death by careless driving at Chelmsford Crown Court.
Ms Smith’s daughter Nicola Elliott said it has “left an indescribable void”, while Mr Augustus’ family called the tragedy their “worst nightmare”.
Judge Timothy Godfrey told Burdett: “As you approached the junction there is clear evidence that a warning sign 1.6 miles from the collision warned oncoming traffic there was queuing traffic.
“You did not at any stage moderate your speed…somewhere between 56 and 58mph.
“You lifted your foot from the accelerator one second before the collision.
“There was no evidence you braked or sought to manoeuvre your vehicle away from the collision in front of you.
“As a result of the collision four passengers from the minibus died.”