M4 crash: Family pays tribute to 'caring' grandmother who died in collision

The family of a grandmother who died in a crash between an autism school minibus and a lorry on the M4 have said they are “utterly heartbroken”.

The victims were all in the minibus and worked at Prior’s Court School in Thatcham, Berkshire.

Lorraine Maclellan, 60, was one of the three school staff members who died on Thursday, police confirmed.

The collision involved a minibus carrying pupils and staff from a school for autistic young people and a lorry on the M4 motorway in Berkshire.

On Monday, her family paid tribute to her in a statement, saying: "Lorraine was a loving mother, grandma, daughter, sister and friend.

"She was caring, kind-hearted and adored her grandchildren, and we will all miss her so much.

"We are utterly heartbroken. Our mum wasn't just our mum, but our best friend."

Two pupils in the minibus escaped with minor injuries and a third required an operation on their leg.

Her family added: "She loved her job at Prior's Court School in Thatcham, and was loved by colleagues and the children at the school.

"We have been overwhelmed by all the support and kindness offered from everyone."

Emergency services were called to a stretch on the M4 in Berkshire at 12.20pm after the two vehicles collided between junction 14 at Hungerford and junction 13 at Chieveley – heading in the eastbound direction.

The motorway was temporarily closed in both directions so that air ambulances could land, and there was heavy congestion on the roads.

The driver of the lorry escaped the crash with minor injuries.

Mike Robinson, CEO of Prior's Court, said the crash was "utterly devastating" for the school.

The other victims have not yet been named.