British Highway Crash

34-car pile-up on a major British highway killed seven people and injured 51.

Monday, November 7, 2011

LONDON (AP) — Police investigating the cause of a 34-car pile-up on a major British highway that killed seven people and injured 51 said Sunday they are focusing on a fireworks display near the accident site.

While initial reports suggested fog and wet road surfaces were partly to blame for the huge collision, police said they have now zeroed in on the fireworks show after evidence taken from witnesses indicated that black smoke emerging from it may be the main culprit.

Rescue workers have described the road accident as one of the deadliest in the country in years.

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British Highway Crash

A general view of the scene on the M5 motorway close to Taunton in southwestern England early Saturday Nov 5 2011 following a 27 vehicle pile-up late Friday, in which at least 7 people were killed and dozens of others injured. Around 27 vehicles, including a number of articulated lorries, were involved in the devastating crash, described by emergency workers as 'the worst road traffic collision anyone can remember' in the area. (AP Photo/Chris Ison/PA)

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51 Injured, Seven Dead in British Highway Pile-Up

British Highway Crash

A general view of the scene on the M5 motorway close to Taunton in southwestern England, Saturday Nov. 5, 2011 following a 27 vehicle pile-up late Friday, in which at least 7 people were killed and dozens of others injured. Around 27 vehicles, including a number of articulated lorries, were involved in the devastating crash, described by emergency workers as 'the worst road traffic collision anyone can remember' in the area. (AP Photo/Chris Ison/PA)

This gallery appears with:

51 Injured, Seven Dead in British Highway Pile-Up

British Highway Crash

A view of the scene on the M5 motorway close to Taunton in southwestern England Saturday Nov 5 2011 following a 27 vehicle pile-up late Friday, in which at least 7 people were killed and dozens of others injured. Around 27 vehicles, including a number of articulated lorries, were involved in the devastating crash, described by emergency workers as 'the worst road traffic collision anyone can remember' in the area. (AP Photo/Chris Ison/PA)

This gallery appears with:

51 Injured, Seven Dead in British Highway Pile-Up