A chef from Glasgow tragically lost his life in a crash on the M6 in Cumbria, which authorities believe may have involved a vehicle traveling in the wrong direction.
Jaroslaw Rossa, 42, was declared dead at the scene near the Tebay services on Tuesday. He was accompanied by a 33-year-old woman and two boys aged 15 and seven, all from Glasgow. The group was traveling in a Toyota when the collision occurred. A 40-year-old man from Cambridgeshire, driving a Skoda, also succumbed to his injuries.
Thomas Heier, CEO of Wagamama, expressed that Mr. Rossa’s colleagues at the Silverburn shopping center were “heartbroken,” describing him as a “cherished chef and friend.”
The incident occurred on the northbound carriageway at 16:04. According to Cumbria Police, they received reports of a Skoda driving southbound on the northbound lanes.
A third child—a seven-year-old boy who was also in the Toyota—was airlifted to the Royal Victoria Infirmary in Newcastle by air ambulance due to serious injuries.
Although Mr. Rossa has not yet been officially identified by police, his employer released a statement honoring him and acknowledging the “huge impression” he made during his eight years at Wagamama Silverburn.
Mr. Heier noted that Mr. Rossa had established “unforgettable relationships with team members and guests fortunate enough to know him.”
He remarked, “Jaroslaw’s warmth, dedication, and kindness will remain with the team long after his departure.”
“We extend our deepest and most heartfelt condolences to his family, to whom he was profoundly devoted.”
“Jaroslaw, you will forever be in our hearts and minds.”
Eyewitnesses reported to BBC News that they were stuck in stationary traffic near the crash site for over three hours and could see black smoke and flames rising from the wreckage.
The motorway was closed from junction 36 to junction 39, reopening fully in the early hours of Wednesday.
Cumbria Fire and Rescue Service deployed four fire engines from Penrith, Kendal, and Shap, remaining at the crash site for several hours.
In addition to the Great North Air Ambulance, North West Ambulance Service and volunteer Beep Doctors were also on the scene.
Police are urging any eyewitnesses or individuals with relevant information to come forward.
