Listed locally as Jamie Baines, 31, and Adeel Qureshi, 28, the two friends were passengers in a car driving from Bristol to Dover to catch a ferry on the way to Amsterdam.
Two young men who died in an accident on the M25 in Surrey were on their way to Amsterdam for a weekend trip, The Mirror has revealed.
Locally named Jamie Baines, 31, and Adeel Qureshi, 28, were passengers in a car believed to have collided with a utility pole on the central reservation.
Emergency crews rushed to the scene near Junction Eight in Reigate following reports of the incident around 3am on Thursday (Feb 23).
A third passenger, believed to be in his 20s, remains in critical condition at hospital, although the 31-year-old driver is understood to have been released and returned home.
The group had left in the early morning from Bristol, and another friend had to check out at the last minute because he couldn’t find anyone to look after his dog.
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A friend, who did not want to be named, told the Mirror: “They were driving to Dover to catch the ferry to Amsterdam.
“Friends went to the crash site last night (Friday) and laid flowers and tributes.”
Describing Jamie, he said: “He was a bubbly, outgoing guy, he just loved his bikes. He was always riding his bike. He used to hit the tracks. It was more of a hobby, but he did it all the time.”
Referring to the other friend who didn’t go on the trip, he said: “If he could have gotten someone to look after the dog, he would have been on that trip, so he’s counting his blessings.”
Adeel’s brother shared a death notice on his Facebook page and wrote, “RIP MY LITTLE BRO,” while another tribute read, “RIP MY LITTLE SOLDIER.”
Surrey Police urged motorists to avoid the area on Thursday and asked for witnesses to the tragic accident.
A statement from the force said at the time: “Unfortunately, a 31-year-old man and a 28-year-old man died at the scene.
“Two other men have been taken to hospital with serious injuries.”
They added: “Surrey Police are requesting witnesses to a fatal traffic collision on the M25 at Bletchingley at around 3am today (23 February).
“The collision, which involved a vehicle, took place near the junction with the M23.”
The Mirror has contacted Surrey Police for further comment.