Tributes Pour In for Teenager Killed in M66 Motorway Tragedy
A 19-year-old man has been named by friends as Kade Hughes, who died after being struck by a car on the M66 motorway near Simister Island on Sunday night, November 16. The incident occurred following a police pursuit that was reportedly initiated after fireworks were set off.
Chaotic Scenes and a Fatal Collision
The tragic chain of events began when a blue BMW X3 was spotted speeding on Bury Old Road and subsequently ran a red light. This prompted a pursuit by Greater Manchester Police (GMP) patrol officers shortly before 9:40 PM. Officers lost sight of the vehicle, which was later found abandoned on the Junction 18 roundabout of the M60, having been involved in a collision with another car.
The occupants of the BMW had fled the scene on foot along the motorway carriageway. It was during this chaotic period that Kade Hughes, a pedestrian, was hit by a vehicle travelling southbound on the M66. He was pronounced dead at the scene. The collision involved a Tesla, though no arrests have been made in connection with the incident.
Emotional Tributes and a Disturbing Aftermath
In the wake of the tragedy, heartfelt tributes have flooded social media, with friends describing Kade as having a 'soft side' and being 'taken too soon'. The emotional impact was further illustrated on Monday evening when video footage emerged showing a group of individuals, believed to be Kade's friends, setting off fireworks and flares at the crash site on a verge next to the motorway.
The video shows the explosives being detonated just metres from the carriageway during peak traffic hours, forcing several vehicles to stop. The carriageway was completely sealed off overnight for forensic examination and remained closed well into Monday morning as the investigation continued.
Independent Investigation Launched
Both GMP's Professional Standards Directorate and the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) watchdog have been notified of the incident and are conducting reviews. Following the collision, DC Ian Lawton from GMP's Serious Collision Investigation Unit stated: "Officers initiated a pursuit in accordance with policy after a vehicle failed to stop for police after being seen driving at speed. The subsequent collision and tragic fatal injuries are now part of an independent review with the IOPC."
Police are appealing for anyone with information, including dashcam or mobile phone footage from the area around the time of the collision, to come forward.
