Two truckers among M5 crash dead

A total of 51 people were injured in the M5 accident (Getty Images)

Two drivers working for the owners of Cornish pasty makers Ginsters were killed and a third was injured in the horrific M5 crash in Somerset, the company has said.

Leicestershire-based food producer Samworth Brothers confirmed that two of its staff were among the seven people who died in the 34-vehicle pile-up on the motorway on Friday night.

Samworth Brothers, based in Melton Mowbray, said it was "very shocked and saddened" by the tragedy.

Company director Mark Samworth said: "The thoughts of everyone at Samworth Brothers are with the families and friends of all these individuals and others involved in this terrible incident.

"Our main priority at the moment is to offer as much support and help as needed to the families of those who have died and to the injured driver and his family.

"It is also a very difficult time for other colleagues at Samworth Brothers Distribution and we are ensuring our people are being well supported."

The firm has not identified the staff who were killed in the massive pile-up, but lorry driver Terry Brice, from Bristol, has been named as one of the victims.

Mr Brice's teenage daughter Jessica paid tribute to him on Twitter, writing: "Rest in peace daddy, i love you so much, you will never be forgotten, not a day will go by where i wont hope you'll walk through that door."

Avon and Somerset Police are yet to confirm the identities of any of the seven victims but said they are now conducting a criminal investigation.

They are focusing their attention on the theory that the crash was caused by smoke from a rugby club fireworks event drifting onto the M5.