LONDON- British Airways (BA) trainee Chloe Williams, 19, died after a truck crashed into the Volkswagen Polo carrying her to a concert in Manchester.
The fatal collision happened on the northbound M6 in Cheshire on December 2, 2022, when Daniel Barlow’s white DAF truck struck the stationary Polo near junction 17. Barlow was later convicted of causing a death by dangerous driving and two counts of causing serious injury by dangerous driving.
British Airways Trainee Dies After M6 Truck Collision
Chloe Williams was one of 2 passengers in a grey Volkswagen Polo driven by her partner. The three were travelling to a concert in Manchester on the evening of Friday, December 2, 2022. As they approached junction 17 for Sandbach and Congleton, heavy traffic caused the Polo to stop in lane one.
Daniel Barlow was also driving in lane one in a white DAF truck after completing several deliveries in the Birmingham area. He failed to react to the stationary traffic and crashed into the rear of the Polo.
Analysis presented during the case showed that Barlow had been travelling at a constant 55 mph along the carriageway. He did not attempt to stop until between 0.25 and 0.5 seconds before the collision, despite having a clear view of the traffic ahead.
The impact caused serious injuries to everyone inside the Volkswagen Polo, and all 3 occupants were taken to hospital. Chloe later died despite the efforts of those involved.
The 2 surviving occupants suffered multiple serious injuries, including broken legs and a fractured skull. Their injuries resulted in life-changing consequences, including memory loss and long-lasting pain.
Chloe was from Dudley in the West Midlands and was preparing to begin what her family and police described as her dream career with British Airways. Earlier reporting said she was due to start work as an air stewardess shortly before the crash.
Driver Convicted After 3 Day Trial
Barlow, 30, was arrested following the collision. During police questioning, he was unable to provide an explanation for why he had not slowed down before hitting the Polo, according to the case evidence.
Following a three-day trial at Chester Crown Court, Barlow was found guilty of causing a death by dangerous driving and 2 counts of causing serious injury by dangerous driving. The trial concluded on Friday, August 14, 2026.
Barlow, of Railway Close, Facit, Whitworth, Lancashire, was bailed pending sentencing on Friday, September 25, 2026.
Police Say Chloe’s Death Was Preventable
Following the verdict, Inspector Andrew Dennison of the Cheshire Police Serious Collision Investigation Unit said Chloe was a bright young woman who was about to begin her dream career with British Airways.
Dennison said the investigation showed that Chloe’s death was “entirely preventable” and that Barlow had ample time to react and slow down. He said Barlow was not concentrating on his driving and described the vehicle as having become a deadly weapon.
The inspector also said the case demonstrated the importance of full attention from all road users. He stressed that a single lapse in concentration can have consequences measured in life and death.
Dennison expressed his thoughts for Chloe’s family and said he hoped the guilty verdict would provide some closure and help them move forward.
Family Pays Tribute to Chloe
Chloe’s family described losing her as the most tragic experience and referred to her as their “beautiful girl.” They said she had been about to start her dream career and that her future had been taken away.
The family had previously asked for privacy while grieving after Chloe died following the collision. The Mirror also reported on Chloe’s death and the court case.
Case Shows Motorway Attention
The evidence presented in court centred on Barlow’s failure to respond to clearly visible stationary traffic.
Investigators established that the truck continued at 55 mph until only a fraction of a second before impact.
The conviction followed a case in which one person died, and two others suffered serious, lasting injuries.
The police investigation and court evidence highlighted how quickly a failure to react to motorway traffic can result in fatal consequences.
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