Best friends die in crash

Published on 12th October 2006 in News

Best friends Robert Birch and Al Jones tragically lost their lives on Monday afternoon after they were involved in a car crash near Goole.

24-year-old Rob (pictured left) from Airmyn, who has been described by his family as someone with a "genuine love of life", and 22-year-old Al (right) from Hook, who was "larger than life in every way", were pronounced dead at the scene of Monday's horrific accident on Westfield Banks, between Hook and Boothferry Bridge.

The fatal accident took place shortly after 3pm when the black Honda sports car the two men were travelling in careered off the road and into the metal fence surrounding a pumping station.

Police, an ambulance crew and fire crews from Goole and Howden were all called to the scene.

There have been reports that the car burst into flames after it hit the metal fence, but Humberside Fire and Rescue Service have denied that this was the case.

A spokesperson told the Goole Times that there was no sign of flames when fire crews arrived, although the ambulance service had used a dry powder fire extinguisher to deal with a small fire in the engine compartment.

The road was closed at Boothferry Bridge for around six hours to allow emergency crews access to the scene.

Speaking to the Goole Times this week Mr Birch's family said: "Rob is one of the most down to earth and honest people that we have ever had the privilege to meet. He was a kind and gentle person and his life revolved around his girlfriend and his friends.

"He had a genuine love of life, in particular with motor sports, but was at his happiest when he was with his girlfriend, Francine, with whom he had just bought a house last month.

"He had also just received his degree in Aeronautical and Aerospace Engineering from Coventry University and was beginning his career as a Process and Development Engineer in Lincoln.

"His engineering background was prominent in his life. He would always have his head under a bonnet or be playing with complexities of a model helicopter but Rob's best quality is that he would always drop anything he was doing when someone needed him.

"Not a day will go by when we will not think of him and I know that I speak for everyone who ever knew him.

Mr Jones' family said: "Al was the best brother, son and friend that anyone could ever ask for. He had the ability to see the good in everyone and managed to bring laughter to any situation. He was a caring, thoughtful, loving person and above all would always go out of his way for anyone who asked it of him.

"He lived and loved every day of his life to the absolute maximum and provided the support and encouragement to everyone he met to do exactly the same.

"He was larger than life in every way and strived to be the best he could possibly be in all aspects of his life. He was a talented, passionate guitarist and had an unbridled love of photography. He was a keen skier and climber and revelled in the excitement of new skills and places. He and his girlfriend had planned to travel South America next year.

"He was one of the good guys and will be truly missed by everyone who had the pleasure and honour of meeting him."

* Police are currently carrying out an investigation but have said that there is no evidence to suggest that any other vehicle was involved in the incident. Witnesses to the accident are urged to come forward and contact Humberside Police on 0845 6060222.