A COLLEAGUE of a taxi driver killed in a motorway crash drove by the scene minutes later and recognised his friend's wrecked vehicle.

Family and friends then tried desperately to contact Atta-ul Qudos Munawar on his mobile phone, but their calls went unanswered.

Mr Munawar, 31, from Longsight, died on his first day back at work following a family holiday in Abu Dhabi.

He was driving home on the M6 after dropping a fare in Warrington when a Peugeot motorhome, travelling north, crashed through the central reservation and collided with Mr Munawar's Hackney cab and two other cars.

A colleague of Mr Munawar spotted his distinctive taxi, which was white with yellow bumpers. Mr Munawar was buried on Tuesday following a ceremony attended by hundreds of mourners at the Makki mosque, in Longsight.

His wife, daughter Mariam, six, and two-year-old son Yahya have been devastated by the tragedy.

Mr Munawar, a qualified IT expert, worked as a taxi driver for about four years. Colleagues said he will be sadly missed.

Faisel Hamid, 36, said: "He had a great personality, morals, ethics and manners and was an exceptional person. He got on with everyone, helped anyone and worked at the mosque for charity and the community.
"He was a devoted family man, caring with impeccable manners and will always be remembered for his outstanding charm. He touched many people with his righteous beliefs and always had a positive influence on the community."

Zaffa Ali, 45, had arranged to meet up Mr Munawar for a meal on his return to Manchester. He said: "We're all shocked. He was there whenever you needed him, no matter what. He had strong religious beliefs and knew this was his birthplace. He loved living in England. He was a good example for the younger generation."

Dominic Cronshaw, 37, said: "He was a really nice guy with a good sense of humour and he had a laugh with everyone."

The motorhome driver, a 65-year-old woman from Cumbria, is critically ill in hospital with chest and leg injuries.