Tragic mum, 55, and daughter, 16, pictured after devastating fireball crash during school run

TRIBUTES have been paid to a tragic mum and daughter who died in a devastating fireball crash during the school run.

Emma van der Avoird, 55, and her daughter Khiana van der Avoird, 16, were killed in a horror collision on the A421 in Bedfordshire on Monday.

Police, fire crews and paramedics rushed to the busy carriageway after a van, car and a lorry were involved in the smash shortly before 8am.

The "vibrant and strong" Emma and Khiana were horrifically burned to death when one of the vehicles caught fire.

A 27-year-old man, who was driving one of the other vehicles, was arrested at the scene on suspicion of drug driving and causing death by dangerous driving.

The heartbroken family of the "close" pair, fromLittle Paxton, Cambridgeshire, have now released photos of them both and released a statement detailing their loss.

They said: "Our family is overcome with sadness and grief at Emma and Khiana’s death in such tragic circumstances.

"They were both vibrant, strong and forthright people. Emma was on her way to take Khiana to Bedford Modern School, where she was a bright and popular student.

"Emma and Khiana were as close as any mother and daughter could be."

They explained the devoted Emma had "poured her heart and soul into caring for Khiana" since the sudden death of her husband and Khiana's father, Ed, 10 years ago.

“Khiana was at the start of her life and was a beautiful and talented girl.

"We are devastated that they have been wrenched from us when both of them still had so much living to do," the family continued.

“We will all miss Emma and Khiana dearly but take some comfort in the fact they have been reunited as a family.”

A spokesman for Bedfordshire Police said tonight: "A man in his 20s from St Neots, Cambs., who was arrested in connection with the incident has since been released on bail, pending further inquiries.

Anyone with information is asked to contact police on 101 or via www.bedfordshire.police.uk/report quoting Operation Mabel.

The force said they would be particularly keen to hear from anyone with dashcam footage which could help them with their inquiries.

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