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Topics: UK News, Real Life, Life, Parenting, Social media
Poppy Bilderbeck
Topics: UK News, Real Life, Life, Parenting, Social media
The family of a mother-of-ten who passed away as a result of a car crash have spoken out.
On Sunday (30 July), at around 6:00pm, Miriam Posen, her husband, Rabbi Shalom Pinchos Posen and two of their daughters - aged 16 and 19 - were involved in a car accident on the A26 in France, between the towns of Neuville-Saint-Vaast and Thélus.
The collision was between two cars and a British nine-seater van.
The scene was attended by over 65 firefighters and nine ambulances, as per Sky News.
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A spokesperson for local emergency services reported 'dozens injured' in the crash 'including many children' and 'three people dead'.
The statement continued: "A van with a British family of seven people on board was one of the three vehicles involved in the crash. A British woman died instantly, along with two others travelling in another vehicle.
"The other passengers - aged between six and 48 - were taken to hospital in Cambrai and Arras."
A total of 17 people are believed to have been involved in the accident according to the French administrative region, Pas-de-Calais, including 'seven British nationals and eight minors'.
It added: "Three people are dead, five are in critical condition."
Miriam's son, Izzy, took to Facebook and Twitter to share the news of his mum's passing.
The post reads: "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.
"Please refrain from contacting directly during this difficult time (unless we're really close), but do send good wishes on here and I'll read when I can."
On Monday (31 July), during a gathering to commemorate the mum-of-10 near her house in Stamford Hill, London, the family said in a statement, as per The Sun: "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."
A spokesperson for the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office said: "We are in contact with the local authorities following a road traffic accident in France and have offered our assistance to the family."
French officials stated mental health support has also been offered to those involved in the accident and witnesses at the scene.
French senior civil servant and current Prefect of Pas-de-Calais, Jacques Billant, who represents the area praised emergency services for the 'assistance they provided to the victims' as well as their 'responsiveness and professionalism in the management of the this event'.
As per an update from emergency services today (1 August), the members of Miriam's family also involved in the crash remain in hospital but are reported as 'recovering well'.
If you have experienced a bereavement and would like to speak with someone in confidence, contact Cruse Bereavement Care via their national helpline on 0808 808 1677.