A 14-year-old boy who was killed in a motorway pile-up was a “true fighter with a heart of gold”, said his parents.

Joe Cairns, from Radcliffe, Greater Manchester, died in the multi-vehicle crash close to junction three of the M58 westbound at Bickerstaffe, Lancashire, on Tuesday.

M58 crash
Joe Cairns, 14, from Radcliffe, Greater Manchester, was killed in the crash on the M58 (Lancashire Constabulary/PA)

The teenager was travelling in a minibus carrying pupils and staff from Pontville School, a special educational needs school in Ormskirk.

Staff member Anne Kerr, 50, from Southport, also died in the incident involving a HGV and a number of other vehicles at about 9am.

Anne Kerr
Anne Kerr, a member of staff at Pontville School, also died (Lancashire Constabulary/PA)

In a tribute to their son, Steph and Andy Cairns said: “Joe, my brave boy, a true fighter with a heart of gold. An amazing sense of humour and infectious smile, a true superhero.”

The driver of the HGV, a 31-year-old-man from Chorley, was arrested on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving. He has since been released under investigation pending further inquiries.

A number of other people were seriously injured in the incident and continue to be treated in hospital, said Lancashire Police.

A second collision took place at around 10.10am in the queuing traffic, involving an HGV, a van and two cars.

A woman and two men suffered serious injuries in that crash.

M58 crash
The crash happened on the M58 in Lancashire, between junction four Skelmersdale and junction three Bickerstaffe (Peter Byrne/PA)

Police are continuing to appeal for information about both collisions and would like to receive relevant dashcam footage.

In a tribute to Mrs Kerr issued on Wednesday, her family said: “Anne was much loved by all who knew her. She will be deeply missed by all her friends and family.

“She was a daughter, wife, and mum to two lovely boys. She was a lovely personality to be around. Her death has left us all heartbroken.”

M58 crash
A van crashed into a field in the pile-up on the M58 in Lancashire (Peter Byrne/PA)

In a statement issued on Thursday, the school’s headteacher, Justine Sims, said: “Our hearts are filled with sadness as we grieve the loss of these two much loved individuals who are both valued members of our school community.

“It is really hard to describe Joe in just a few sentences. A lovely young boy with the most amazing sense of humour. Bright, articulate and observant, a ray of sunshine and laughter for all at Pontville School. Joe is in our hearts and minds forever.

“Anne, a pupil transport assistant, was a caring member of staff who went out of her way to support the young people at Pontville.

“We have been inundated with condolence wishes for both Joe and Anne from our families and pupils, including those involved in the incident. Our thoughts and sympathies are with both families at this difficult time. Our thoughts are also with our staff member and three pupils who were injured in the accident and are currently in hospital.

“This is an enormously distressing time for everyone associated with the school. Our priority is to provide as much support as we can for pupils, parents, colleagues and families. We have brought additional staff in from other schools in our Group to help, including mental health practitioners and psychologists, and this assistance will continue for as long as it is needed.”