M1 crash: Tributes paid to minibus driver Cyriac Joseph

The driver of a minibus who was among eight people who died in a three-vehicle crash on the M1 has been described as an "extraordinary father" who would do anything for his friends.

Cyriac Joseph, also known as Benny, was driving a group of people who had travelled to the UK from India when his vehicle was involved in a collision with two lorries on the motorway near Milton Keynes.

The 52-year-old, who owned minibus firm ABC Travels, was taking the group from Nottingham to Wembley Stadium to join a tour group for Europe when the crash happened.

His friend Manu Zachariah paid tribute to a dedicated father who loved his family and friends.

"Cyriac was not like normal fathers," he said. "He would love to spend his money and time on his children like none of his friends.

"He was always very encouraging of their extracurricular activities. His son is an athlete and he would take him to javelin training.

"He was an extraordinary father, and would do anything for his friends. He was always there for us and will be really missed."

Mr Zachariah said he believed Mr Joseph and his family moved to the UK about 15 years ago. He said Mr Joseph started his minibus business around four years ago and made mostly airport trips and similar journeys.

"He was a very close friend of mine and we used to work together," he said.

"It is very shocking and we don't want to believe that he is not alive... he was part of every part of our lives.

"It is a big loss to the community."

He said Mr Joseph was very active in the church community and the local cultural association, and was also a keen singer and sportsman who enjoyed volleyball.

Three other victims were Karthikeyan Ramasubramaniyam Pugalur, Rishi Rajeev Kumar and Vivek Bhaskaran, who all worked for IT firm Wipro.

Another Wipro employee, Mano Ranjan Panneerselvam, was critically injured.

In a statement, the firm said: "Our thoughts and prayers are with the families of all those who lost their lives in this tragedy. We will continue to provide all assistance to the families in this hour of grief."

Three other passengers - a five-year-old girl, a man and a woman - remain in hospital with life-threatening injuries following the crash, which happened at about 3.15am on Saturday.

They have not been named.

Lorry drivers Ryszard Masierak, 31, and David Wagstaff, 53, have been charged with eight counts of causing death by dangerous driving and four counts of causing serious injury by dangerous driving.

Masierak was also charged with eight counts of causing death by careless driving while over the alcohol limit and has been remanded in custody.

Wagstaff is on bail to appear at Milton Keynes Magistrates' Court on 11 September.