Two Nottingham students killed in South Yorkshire car crash

Philippa-Bertram-Rebecca-Ward
Philippa Bertram, left, and Rebecca Ward, right, died in a road crash in South Yorkshire on Saturday.

Two Nottingham Trent University students have died following a car crash in South Yorkshire.

Philippa Bertram and Rebecca Ward were killed when the car they were travelling in collided with another vehicle on Saturday afternoon.

The crash happened on the A628 Woodhead Pass, between Barnsley and Manchester.

Philippa, 20, and Rebecca, 22, were named by South Yorkshire Police on Wednesday (December 19).

The families of both women issued tributes to them through officers.

Philippa’s family said: “Our precious daughter Philippa has been suddenly taken from us. She was our world and our joy and we were so proud of her, but our lives have been shattered by what has happened.”

Rebecca’s family said: “Becky was a beautiful girl both inside and out who enjoyed life to the full. She was in her final year at Nottingham Trent University. Becky will be greatly missed by her family, boyfriend and many friends.”

woodhead-pass
The crash happened on the Woodhead Pass, which crosses the Peak District. (Photo: Google)

A third woman in the car, a Fiat 500, was seriously injured and remains in hospital. A man and a woman in the other car, a Mini Cooper, suffered minor injuries.

Both women were final year students on the BA (Hons) Fashion Marketing and Branding course at the university, which has opened books of condolence for the students.

Professor Eunice Simmons, the university’s Deputy Vice-Chancellor said: “Sadly, we have been informed about the death of two of our students. Our thoughts are with their families at this time. Bereavement support is being offered to students and staff at the university.”

She added any students affected who have returned home can contact the university by emailing [email protected].

A spokesman for South Yorkshire Police said the crash happened at around 1.30pm and a number of drivers stopped at the scene to help. Officers are still appealing for further witnesses or people with dashcam footage to come forward.

On Saturday evening the force had warned it was dealing with “multiple collisions” across the county due to the combination of “icy roads, surface water, wind and heavy rain”.