A ROAD safety investigation at a notorious crossroads is set to be fast-tracked after two people died last weekend.
The incident, at Barugh Green crossroads, occurred at 2pm on Saturday and resulted in a 75-year-old man and an 85-year-old woman dying.
Seven other people received hospital treatment and the tragedy has resulted in Barnsley Central MP Dan Jarvis to call for an urgent investigation into long-held safety concerns on the four-way junction.
“I am profoundly saddened by the loss of life and my deepest and heartfelt condolences go to the family and friends of those killed in this tragic incident,” he told the Chronicle.
“My thoughts are also very much with those who have been injured and the local residents who have undoubtedly been badly shaken by this terrible experience.
“I remain in contact with South Yorkshire Police and Barnsley Council, and it is clear a thorough investigation needs to be conducted.
“This must include recommendations on how we ensure the safety of pedestrians and road users both at this junction and on the wider road network.”
The traffic light-controlled crossroads connect Barugh Green Road, Higham Common Road, Cawthorne Road and Barugh Lane and have been the subject of work from Barnsley Council’s highways department in recent years.
A traffic regulation order is in force - which saw double yellow lines extended to prevent parking around the crossroads - but calls for more to be done have been made.
Officers are continuing to appeal for anyone with information to come forward.
A South Yorkshire Police spokesperson added: “Did you witness the collision and have any dash-cam footage that could help officers in their investigation?
“You can pass information to police via our new online live chat, our online portal or by calling 101.
“Please quote incident number 490 of March 23 when you get in touch.
“Alternatively, if you prefer not to give your personal details, you can stay anonymous and pass on what you know by contacting the independent charity Crimestoppers.
“Call their UK contact centre on freephone 0800 555 111 or complete a simple and secure anonymous online form at crimestoppers-uk.org.”
