A married father was killed in a high street crash after an Audi ploughed into his stationary vehicle and five other cars, as police quiz a man over the smash.
Hizar Hanif, who was in his 30s, was a passenger in a car on Soho Road, Handsworth, when the fatal collision happened at around 8:20pm on Sunday.
Mr Hanif worked at Checkpoint Tyre Service on Lichfield Road and was due to act as best man at a friend’s wedding later this week. The car shop has closed as his family grieves.
A 25-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving and was taken to hospital for treatment, after which he will be questioned, the force said.
In an emotional tribute by his wife, which was posted on social media, she said: ‘It is great sorrow I inform you that my dear husband Hizar Hanif has departed this temporary world.
‘No words can describe the pain I feel.’
Hizar Hanif, who was in his 30s, was a passenger in a car on Soho Road, Handsworth, when the fatal collision happened at around 8:20pm on Sunday
Mr Hanif worked at Checkpoint Tyre Service on Lichfield Road and was due to act as best man at a friend’s wedding later this week. The car shop has closed as his family grieve
A 25-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving and was taken to hospital for treatment following the crash (pictured)
Piles of bouquets have been left at the spot where the Audi ploughed into numerous vehicles and left several people injured.
A card left on one of the flowers read: ‘To Allah we belong and to him we shall return. May Allah have mercy on your soul.’
Hundreds of heartfelt tributes flooded in last night as mourners paid tribute to Mr Hanif online.
Maria Nawaz wrote: ‘May Allah give his family and poor wife and child all the sabr needed in such a difficult time.
‘My beautiful friend, Hizar, may you be blessed like you blessed all of our lives. A true friend, always have been proud of you and always will be.’
Taz Ali said: ‘Hiza was a nice friendly guy. May allah s.w.t. give his family sabr. And grant Hiza Hanif a place in jannat ul firdous. Ameen. R.I.P. HIZA.’
Ronnie Humayun wrote: ‘I can’t believe Hiza brother has passed away! I spoke to him few days ago and he wasn’t feeling well and now to hear this! May Allah grant him Jannah. Truly a respected brother, he will be missed! Shocking news.’
Shocking video showed how the Audi driver sped down Soho Road, near West Bromwich Albion football club’s home ground, before ploughing into at least six other vehicles in the line of traffic.
In an emotional tribute by his wife, which was posted on social media, she said: ‘No words can describe the pain I feel’
Piles of bouquets have been left at the spot where the Audi ploughed into numerous vehicles and left several people injured
This is the moment a speeding driver smashed into at least six other cars on Soho Road, Birmingham on Sunday night. The fatal crash left one person dead and several injured
The driver of a white sedan sped down the road (pictured) before ploughing into at least six other vehicles in the line of traffic
The impact of the crash appeared to have forced at least one car to spin out and overtake the right-hand lane, blocking traffic in both directions.
Multiple vehicles were left damaged and debris was littered throughout the street.
West Midlands Ambulance Service said they sent three ambulances, three paramedic officers, a Merit trauma doctor and critical care paramedic, and a critical care car from the Air Ambulance Service to the scene on Sunday night.
Birmingham Perry Barr MP Khalid Mahmood said: ‘Our community mourns the tragic loss of Hizar Hanif, a victim of the devastating accident on Soho Road, Birmingham, this past Sunday.
‘My deepest condolences go out to his family and loved ones during this incredibly difficult time.
‘Our thoughts also go to the two individuals hospitalised for injuries sustained in the incident, and we hope for their swift recovery.
‘As we await the outcome of the investigation, let us come together as a community to support one another in the face of this heartbreaking loss.
‘Our thoughts and prayers are with Hizar Hanif’s family and friends.’
Mr Hanif’s family are sitting at the Jamia Mosque in Smethwick, West Midlands.
Police, pictured at the scene, said around 9pm on Sunday that Soho Road was blocked near its junction with Holliday Road. Officers expect the road to ‘remain closed for some time’ and have encouraged drivers to use alternate routes
A 25-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving and was taken to hospital for treatment, after which he will be questioned. Officers are pictured at the scene of the crash on Sunday night
Paramedics found three patients from the cars, including the passenger who died.
‘He had sustained life-threatening injuries and received advanced life support and advanced trauma care from ambulance staff at the scene,’ a spokesperson said.
‘Unfortunately, nothing more could be done to save him and he was confirmed deceased at the scene.’
A woman who was in one the vehicles sustained ‘potentially serious injuries’ during the crash, the spokesperson said. First responders treated her at the scene before she was conveyed to Queen Elizabeth Hospital for further treatment.
A man who was a driver in one of the cars was transported to Sandwell District Hospital after having suffered injuries which were not believed to be life threatening.
The spokesperson added: ‘A further man from one of the cars was assessed by ambulance staff and did not require treatment. He received self-care advice before being discharged at the scene.’
A West Midlands Police spokesperson said on Monday: ‘We’ve made an arrest after a man sadly died following a collision in Soho Road, Birmingham. An Audi hit a number of vehicles at around 8:20pm.
‘A passenger in a stationary vehicle, aged in his 30s, sustained serious injuries and tragically died. Two other people were taken to hospital to be treated for injuries.
‘A 25-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving and was taken to hospital for treatment. He will be questioned following his treatment.
‘We’ve secured some CCTV and dashcam footage but remain keen to hear from anyone with information who can assist our investigation.’