Heartbreaking tributes to ‘vibrant’ mum and teen daughter who died in crash on morning school run

A mum and her 16-year-old daughter died in a three-vehicle horror crash on their morning school run.

Emma van der Avoird, 55, was taking her daughter Khiana to school where she was a "bright and popular student".

The pair died at the scene when a car, van and HGV lorry crashed on a dual-carriageway just before 8am on Monday (November 1).

A man in his 20s was arrested in connection with the incident and has since been released on bail.

Emma and Khiana had previously lost their husband and dad Ed, who passed away suddenly in 2011.

‘They still had so much living to do’

A family tribute read: “Emma and Khiana were as close as any mother and daughter could be.

"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.

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

"Emma was a devoted mother who had poured her heart and soul into caring for Khiana since the sudden death of their husband and father Ed 10 years ago."

The family added: “We are devastated that they have been wrenched from us when both of them still had so much living to do.

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

Police appeal

The mother and daughter, from Little Paxton, Cambridgeshire died in a crash on the A421 in Bedfordshire.

Police want to hear from anyone with dashcam footage that could help them with their enquiries.

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