A pregnant woman is fighting for her life in hospital following a horror crash on the M66 - which also left her two sons and nephew seriously hurt.
Frankie Hough, 38, and her two children, Tommy, nine and Rocky, two, were travelling along the motorway on Saturday afternoon when they were involved in the devastating smash. Frankie's nephew Tobias, four, was also a passenger.
A 22-year-old man was arrested at the scene, between junctions three and four. He was detained on suspicion of causing serious injury by dangerous driving.
READ MORE: Join the FREE Manchester Evening News WhatsApp community
Friends have set up a GoFundMe page to support Frankie's family.
It is understood Frankie, Tommy, Rocky and Tobias - from Chadderton, Oldham - were transported to hospital via air ambulance.
"This is absolutely devastating for the family and their whole world has truly been turned upside down," the GoFundMe page reads.
"Julia & Frank (Frankie’s parents), Calvin (Frankie’s partner), Becci and Aaron (Tobias’s parents) Tom (Tommy’s father) are all frantically by their loved ones' sides. These next few weeks and months will be critical for the family and is absolutely traumatising for them all."
Friends are asking for members of the public to support them any way they can.
"Due to the intense injuries and critical conditions, I’m sure you will be aware that their closest loved ones cannot leave their bed side," the page reads.
"So I am asking you to find it in your kind hearts to please help my friend’s family by donating what you can. Any amount of donation will be a huge help for the whole family, no matter how big or small.
"All funds will go towards Frankie and the children’s recoveries as when they do awake, their lives could look very different and have a long road to recovery, so it will take away any stress/worries of bills as their immediate family cannot leave their bedside. They would be grateful for anything you could contribute."
The M66 was closed for a number of hours on Saturday afternoon to allow emergency services to treat Frankie and her family, and for investigation work to commence.
GMP are desperately appealing for anyone who witnessed the collision to come forward, as they thanked "selfless" members of the public who stepped in to help.
Sergeant Matt Waggett from GMP Serious Collision Investigation Unit said: "Firstly, I would like to thank the members of the public who selflessly helped at the scene and called 999, as well as those who assisted when police and emergency services arrived on scene.
"I urge anyone who may have witnessed this incident to please come forward and share any footage, dashcam or mobile footage, with police. No matter how small you think it is, it could prove vital to our investigation."
Information can be shared by calling GMP's Serious Collision Investigation Unit on 0161 856 4741 quoting incident 2254 of 13/05/2023. A report can also be made via GMP's website: www.gmp.police.uk
Alternatively, call the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
You can donate to the family's fundraising page here.
Read more of today's top stories here
READ NEXT:
- 'If it was up to me, I would lock him up and throw away the key'
- Porsche spotted racing BMW at more than 140 miles an hour
- Bank of England boss warns of more financial pain to come after yet another interest rate rise
- Body of pensioner found in his flat SIX YEARS after he died
- 'Atrocious' delays, cancellations and 'major issues': Manchester passengers bid farewell to TransPennine Express
