Tributes have been paid to a Presteigne mother and her son who died in a crash with a tractor.
Kate Ruth Boughton, 35, and Samuel Edward Boughton, 13, died after the car they were travelling in collided with a tractor on the B4362 at Lucton in Herefordshire at 10.10am on Tuesday. Samuel died at the scene while his mother was trapped in the car for two hours before being airlifted to Birmingham’s Queen Elizabeth Hospital, where she later died of her injuries.
Mrs Boughton’s two other sons – who were sitting in the back of the car – were airlifted to Birmingham Children’s Hospital, where they remain, one in a critical but stable condition and the other described as stable.
Councillor Olwyn Barnett, chairman of Herefordshire Council, who lives in Kinsham, said the whole area was in shock.
She said: “It really is your worst nightmare and the whole of Presteigne is in shock at this awful tragedy.
“It is a stark warning of what can happen on the roads. My thoughts and best wishes are with the family.
“I did not know them well but I have been told they were a very popular family in Presteigne and they had many friends.
“Everyone who has spoken to me speaks very highly of them and everybody is devastated.”
Councillor John Kendall, Presteigne Mayor and chairman of governors at John Beddoes School, said his thoughts and prayers were with the family.
He said the school would offer staff and pupils counselling when they return next week, if it was required.
Neighbours Chris and Pat Watson, said: “It’s an absolute tragedy.”
Tributes have also been posted on Facebook.
The road was closed for several hours after the crash while police, ambulance and fire crews worked at the scene to treat the casualties and free them from the wreckage.
The tractor driver did not suffer any injuries.
Police have launched an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the crash.
They have urged anyone who saw the incident to contact them.
Inspector Damian Sowrey said today: “We believe the red Corsa car was travelling towards Yarpole and the green John Deere tractor in the opposite direction towards Mortimer’s Cross. We are continuing to investigate the circumstances and particularly want to hear from anyone who witnessed the collision or who saw either vehicle being driven immediately beforehand.”
The Herefordshire coroner Mark Bricknell has been informed and it is hoped that inquests will be opened today (Friday).
Anyone with information about the incident is asked to contact Hereford police station on 101.