Halifax man remains under investigation after fatal road crash in Clapham

Joseph Michael Keane, aged 28, from Billinge was prononced dead at the scene after a a car driven by his 21-year-old girlgriend collided with a white flatbed truck, which had been converted into a campervan, on the A65 near Ingleton.

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Police said the accident happened between Clapham and Ingleton, just north of the turn off to Bentham, at about 4.15pm on Friday.

The driver of the converted campervan, a 28-year-old man from the Halifax area, was arrested at the scene on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving and driving while unfit through drink or drugs.

He has now been released while under investigation to allow for further police enquiries.

Three other men travelling in the campervan sustained minor injuries.

READ: Teens rescued from human trafficking gangs by Calderdale policeA third vehicle, a decommissioned ambulance, believed to be in convoy with the campervan, left the scene. Police officers pursued the vehicle before it collided with the barrier of a level crossing at Kildwick and stopped on the train tracks.

The driver, a 41-year-old man from Halifax, ran from the vehicle, but was found a short time later with help from the National Police Air Service and was arrested.

He has now been charged with dangerous driving, driving while disqualified, failing to stop for the police, failing to provide a specimen for analysis, obstructing a railway and driving without insurance. Police said these charges were in relation to the pursuit and collision with the level crossing and he was not under investigation for the fatal collision.

He is due to appear at Skipton Magistrates’ Court on August 17.

READ: Demand for more action to tackle anti-social behaviour in Calderdale parksMr Keane's family have paid tribute to him.

A statement issued by the family they said: “It is not possible to describe just how much Joe was loved by his mum and dad, sister, girlfriend and all his family and friends. He was such a kind, considerate loving person and we have been privileged to have had him in our lives for 28 years.

“He had a lovely dry, warm sense of humour which endeared him to whomever was lucky enough to have been in his presence.

“His passions in life were for his family and friends and a love of books. He hated social injustice and advocated for people who were least able to help themselves.

“His loss has left us bereft and the only comfort we have is being surrounded by the people who loved him most. He was such a special, beautiful person, we have been enriched by his presence and the pain of his loss means our lives will never be the same again.”Police are still appealing for anyone with dashcam footage to come forward, as well as anyone who saw either the converted campervan or the decommissioned ambulance travelling along the A65 prior to the crash, and anyone who witnessed the crash.