Seven people, including two police officers, died in the A66 crash on the weekend.
Flares lit up the skies during a balloon release in memory of one of the men who died in A66 crash (Image: SUPPLIED)
Dozens of people gathered in a field near Middlesbrough on Monday afternoon to remember one of the young men who died in the horrific A66 crash during which two police officers also lost their lives. The gathering happened around a field in South Bank to commemorate Jakub Matusiak, 23.
During the event, at around 5pm, orange balloons were released into the sky amid cheers from the crowd in attendance. A number of people wearing face coverings were also photographed setting off coloured flares, which filled the field with thick smoke.
The fatal crash happened on Saturday (Image: Owen Humphreys/PA Wire)
The event, which happened a few hundred yards from where the crash took place, went ahead despite the plea from an environmental group. The Stop Balloon Releases – North East UK campaign group had urged Middlesbrough Council to stop the tributes over wildlife concerns.
Speaking to the Express, co-founder Lynne also said this would be a “kick in the teeth” to the families of PC Matthew Blades, 37, and PC Tom Clough, 38, who lost their lives in the A66 incident.
The officers were killed when a Volkswagen Passat – which had been pursued by police – was driven the wrong way along a dual carriageway near Middlesbrough and hit their marked armed response vehicle.
The five people travelling in the Volkswagen – Cole Robert Worthy, 17, Theo Rae, 17, Makai Saddington, 18, and 23-year-olds Michael Robert Cahill and Matusiak – were pronounced dead at the scene at South Bank, early on Saturday.
Jakub Matusiak (Image: -)
Also on Monday, a silent vigil was held at St John the Evangelist Church in South Bank for PC Clough and PC Blades and the other people who died in the incident.
The church said in a post on Facebook: “Anyone who wishes to say prayers or light a candle in memory of those caught up in this tragic event may visit the church at any time and stay for as long as they wish.”
More than £500,000 has been raised for the families of the two police officers.
A fundraiser created by the Cleveland Police Federation on Sunday reached £487,000 on Monday. Organisers said funds raised would be split equally between the two officers’ families and the federation would continue to provide support.
A second crowdfunder for the families had raised more than £36,900.
PC Clough’s family described the officer as their “hero with a fantastic sense of humour”, always willing to help anyone.
Meanwhile, PC Blades’ wife described him in a statement as “my beloved husband, my best friend, and the most devoted father to our two young boys”.