M5 crash deaths accused Geoffrey Counsell is bailed

M5 crash scene Seven people died and 51 were injured in the pile-up involving 34 vehicles

A man has appeared at Bristol Magistrates' Court charged with seven counts of manslaughter following a pile-up on the M5 in Somerset.

Seven people died and 51 were injured in the crash involving 34 vehicles.

Geoffrey Counsell, from Somerset, was the provider of a fireworks display in a field close to the motorway at Taunton Rugby Club on 4 November 2011.

The 50-year-old was remanded on bail and is due to appear before the city's crown court on 4 December.

Lorry drivers Terry Brice, from Patchway, South Gloucestershire, and Kye Thomas, from Gunnislake, Cornwall, died in the crash.

Father and daughter Michael and Maggie Barton, from Windsor, Berkshire; grandparents Anthony and Pamela Adams, from Newport, south Wales; and battle re-enactor Malcolm Beacham, from Woolavington, near Bridgwater, also died.

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