M4 Crash Claims Lives of Mother and Daughter

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Tragedy struck on the M4 near Chippenham when a mother and daughter lost their lives in a devastating five-vehicle crash. Cheryl Woods, 61, and Sarha Smith, 40, were declared dead at the scene after their car was crushed by an HGV. The crash occurred on October 20, 2023, just after 9am.

Firas Zeineddine, 46, from Keynsham, admitted causing death by careless driving.

He was sentenced to 12 months in prison at Swindon Crown Court on April 28. Zeineddine had originally faced charges of death by dangerous driving, but pleaded guilty to the lesser offence, which the Crown Prosecution Service accepted.

On the morning of the crash, Ms Woods and Ms Smith were stopped on the hard shoulder with a National Highways vehicle after a minor collision.

Zeineddine, driving a Tesla Model Y at over 90mph despite heavy mist and spray, lost control after aquaplaning. His car struck an HGV, which then collided with and overturned onto the women’s Volkswagen T-Roc.

Investigating officer DC Sean Williams described the incident as “an utterly tragic and needless incident which has seen two women lose their lives.”

He added, “Zeineddine’s speeding in the conditions was completely reckless and he admitted having impaired vision due to the amount of mist and spray that was coming off the road.” Williams continued, “Once his vehicle started to aquaplane in the standing water, due to the speed he was driving, he lost complete control.”

The family of Cheryl Woods and Sarha Smith paid tribute: “Cheryl Woods, cherished by those in her life, fulfilled the roles of a loving mother, doting grandmother, cherished sister, and a dear friend. Her selflessness was a defining trait, consistently prioritising her family’s wellbeing over her own, and she took immense pride in her Welsh heritage while nurturing a deep love for nature.”

About Sarha, they wrote, “Sarha Smith, in the footsteps of her mother, unselfishly devoted herself to her family’s needs ahead of her own. She was not only a mother, grandmother, sister, aunt and friend, but her absence leaves a void for those who relied on her radiant presence. Her legacy lives on through her six daughters, who will forever hold her memory close and strive to honour her with their efforts.”

Bethany Smith, Sarha’s eldest daughter, said she was “overwhelmed” by the community’s generosity after more than £2,000 was raised for the family. “We weren’t expecting it,” she said.

She described her mother and grandmother as inseparable: “They were always together. They were always out shopping together, going on caravan holidays to Tenby and across Wales, or going for afternoon teas together. They were best friends.”

DC Williams concluded, “Cheryl and Sarha’s deaths sadly provide a clear illustration of why it is vital to drive to the conditions, no matter where you are. Any mistake or unforeseen incident, particularly at the speeds Zeineddine was driving, can have fatal consequences.”