News
Stamford Hill woman among three dead in France car crash
The crash took place on Sunday night on the A26 near Lens in northern France
July 31, 2023 10:47
The crash took place on Sunday night on the A26 near Lens in northern France
July 31, 2023 10:47A Stamford Hill mother has been killed in a fatal car crash in northern France.
The woman, who is understood to be from the strictly Orthodox Jewish community, was one of three people who died after the collision on Sunday evening.
The three-car accident took place on the A26 motorway just south of Lens in northern France at around 6pm. Two cars and a British nine-seater family vehicle were involved.
Over 65 firefighters attended the scene of the crash which involved 17 people, including eight children.
According to reports, two of the Stamford Hill mum’s daughters and their father were also involved in the crash and are all in hospital.
The victims of the crash have been named as the Posen family from Stamford Hill. Miriam Posen, a mother of 10 believed to be in her 40s, has died in the crash and her husband Rabbi Shalom Pinchos Posen is understood to be under observation in a hospital.
A family spokesman said: “Miriam was a devoted mother who was loved so much by her family and friends.
“She was a very special person who will be greatly missed by all who knew her.
“We are still coming to terms with what has happened. It was only on Sunday night.”
A French police spokesperson said: “Three people are dead and dozens injured, including many children.
“A van with a British family of seven people on board was one of the three vehicles involved in the crash."
French police confirmed the British woman "died instantly" along with two others travelling in another vehicle.
The spokesman added: “The other passengers – aged between six and 48 – were taken to hospital in Cambrai and Arras."
Miriam Posen's son Izzy, posted a tribute to his mother on Twitter, saying: "My mother sadly passed away yesterday in tragic circumstances. She was young and healthy and full of the spirit of life. I loved her so much."
A Foreign, Commonwealth, and Development Office spokesperson said: “We are in contact with the local authorities following a road traffic accident in France and have offered our assistance to the family.”