Tributes paid as man killed in horror crash with horses on M18 named and pictured
He was a train manager for rail operator East Midlands Railway
A man killed in a horror crash on the M18 in Doncaster when his car ploughed into loose horses on the carriageway has been named and pictured.
The victim has been named locally as Johnny Brown, who was a train manager for rail operator East Midlands Railway.
The 50-year-old died at the scene of the tragedy in the early hours of Friday, which also left two other drivers injured and killed two horses which had strayed onto the carriageway near the Armthorpe junction also killed.
One online tribute said: “My thoughts are with my railway family at EMR having to deal with devastating news that train manager Johnny Brown was in the M18 crash and sadly didn’t make it.”
Another tribute shared online said: “The gentleman who lost his life in the M18 horse crash was a local man.
“A much loved brother, partner, father, son and friend to many.
“Johnny Brown, who was simply on his way to work, has been cruelly taken away and lost his life.
“Heartbreaking thinking of all affected by this devastating event.”
Another friend shared: “You always put a smile on everyone's face - a beautiful soul with a contagious smile.
“Rest in peace - sending love to your family and your depot colleagues in those extremely difficult moments.”
A police investigation is now under way into the tragedy following the incident shortly before 5am on Friday.
A South Yorkshire Police spokesperson said: “Following a tragic fatal collision on the M18 in Doncaster, we are appealing for witnesses, those with footage, and the owners of horses involved to come forward.
“At 4.44am on Friday 13 November we were called to reports of a collision at junction four of the motorway.
“Officers responded to initial reports of two collisions involving two horses and two Skoda vehicles.
“Initial enquiries have led officers to understand that a blue Skoda Octavia was in collision with one horse, and a blue Skoda Superb was in collision with a second horse who were loose in the carriageway.
“Following the collision involving the Skoda vehicles, a second collision has occurred involving a Vauxhall Nivara and one of the horses.
“The driver of Skoda Superb, a 50-year-old man was sadly pronounced dead at the scene.
“His family has been informed, and our thoughts are with them at this time.
“The driver of a Skoda Octavia and Vauxhall Nivara suffered injuries that are not believed to be life threatening.
“Both horses also died at the scene.
“We are now asking for any witnesses, who have not yet spoken to police to come forward, and anyone with dashcam footage to share it.
“We would also like to speak to the owner of the horses, who has not yet come forward.
“One horse is black and one horse is grey in colour.
“Further enquiries are on-going around the horses and their owners, but anyone missing two horses or who may know who they belong to is asked to contact us.
“If you can help officers progress their enquiries, please get in touch quoting incident number 94 of 13 November 2026.”