Hundreds gather to remember young brothers killed in Birmingham New Road crash
Sanjay Singh, 10, and his 23-month-old brother Pawanveer died in the crash.
Hundreds of mourners lined Birmingham New Road after a crash which claimed the lives of two young brothers.
The funeral was being held today for Sanjay Singh, 10, and his 23-month-old brother Pawanveer.
The brothers, from the Dudley area, died in a crash earlier this month.
Their mother was also left seriously injured.
It was a sombre occasion as around 300 people gathered outside a large floral display, which has been left at the side of the road in memory of the two boys.
Lawnswood Avenue, which joins the Birmingham New Road, was closed off by West Midlands Police to allow the funeral procession to arrive at the scene during morning rush hour, so the family could pay their respects.
A white horse-drawn carriage carried one coffin which had children's toys placed on the top.
A silver Rolls Royce hearse carried another coffin, which had a floral display placed on top spelling out Pawanveer's name.
The family joined the large crowd of mourners who had gathered at the road junction to pay their respects.
It was a sad event as the crowd stood in silence and mourners were in tears.
Dozens of floral tributes and balloons have been left in memory of the brothers at the scene.
Balloons have been tied up nearby marking Pawanveer's second birthday.
The procession arrived around 8am carrying family members and stayed for around 15 minutes.
The funeral itself was taking place at Gornal Wood Cemetery and Crematorium.
It was held following the devastating crash which happened on March 14, around 8.45pm.
WATCH: Mourners gather for procession
The family were travelling in their BMW, turning right into Lawnswood Avenue, when the car was struck by an Audi S3.
Two drivers have been arrested on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving.
Both have been released pending further investigation.
Tributes paid to 'beautiful' brothers
Devastated family members released a statement saying: “Our family are grieving over the tragic deaths of our two beautiful children, as well as dealing with the shock of the horrific crash."
Heartfelt tributes have also been paid to Sanjay by the headteacher of his primary school.
Claire Williams, headteacher at Cotwall End Primary School in Sedgley, described Sanjay as the “life and soul of the class”.
She said everyone at the school was “completely devastated” by the deaths of the brothers.
“We are all completely devastated at the loss of our much-loved pupil Sanjay Singh and his younger brother," she said.
"Sanjay was a lively and fun boy who was the life and soul of the class, it was an absolute privilege and joy to teach him at our school and he will be sadly missed by all who knew him.
“On behalf of the school, I have sent my condolences to his family and our thoughts are with everyone who knew him at this difficult time.
Councillor Sue Ridney, head of children’s services at Dudley Council, said: “Our community is mourning the tragic loss of two beautiful young lives.
“Their family and friends are in our thoughts and prayers at this awfully-sad time and I would like to extend my heartfelt sympathy and condolences to all who are affected.
“Dudley Council is working closely with Cotwall End School and we will continue to offer help and support to pupils, parents and staff.”
Heartbreaking messages have been left among the tributes.
One to Sanjay from a classmate said: "You were one of my closest friends.
"School will never be the same without my bro. Can't believe this has happened. Rest in peace Sanj."
Another said: "Sanjay and Pawanveer. We will miss you and never forget you. RIP boys."
Pupils at Cotwall End Primary School have been offered support following the tragedy.
An online fundraising campaign to support the family has now raised more than £8,700.
Birmingham New Road 'should be fully covered by average speed cameras'
MP Pat McFadden called for an extension of the camera network following a horror crash.
Cameras are due to come in on the busy route between Coseley and Dudley – but will not extend to Wolverhampton where the crash happened.
The Wolverhampton MP has written to the police and council bosses to ask them to consider making changes to make the road safer, but said cameras were needed in both Wolverhampton and Dudley.
Average speed cameras are being rolled out in the Black Country over the next few weeks but, due to funding constraints, only on certain roads.
