POLICE have described the “harrowing” scenes officers and paramedics had to work through after six people died in a horrific car crash.

A major investigation is under way to discover what caused the multi-vehicle collision at an underpass in Birmingham in the early hours of yesterday morning.

Three men died when they were thrown out of their car, while a cab driver and his two passengers – a man and a woman – lost their lives after their vehicle was left on its side. A fourth man who was travelling in the car was taken to the city’s Queen Elizabeth Hospital in a critical condition.

The first of the victims was named locally as father-of-six taxi driver, Imtiaz Mohammed. Superintendent Sean Phillips, of West Midlands Police, said: “I have spoken to the officers at the scene and the officer in charge of the overall investigation.

“He has described this as a very harrowing incident, a very harrowing scene, and he has asked me personally to pass on his thoughts for the families and everyone involved at this time.

“It is a tragic incident just before Christmas.”

Police are following a number of lines of investigation, including the condition of the road when the crash happened near Edgbaston shortly after 1am.

They have confirmed the road had been gritted at 5pm on Saturday.

Mr Phillips said: “It is way too early to speculate on the causes of the accident.

“It will take some time to unpick the scene and just understand what’s happened. It would be unfair for me to speculate at this time.”

Asked about the speeds the vehicles were travelling at and whether all of those involved were wearing seatbelts, Mr Phillips said those issues will be considered during the investigation.

Police also expressed concerns over images of the aftermath of the crash being shared online. Mr Phillips urged people to send such images to the police, rather than posting them on the internet.

He said: “It’s a harrowing scene. There are families involved, these are real people involved. It is very distressing for everyone.

“To share images that would portray something that is perhaps unwelcome for the families and unhelpful for the investigation at this time, I would urge people not to do that. I would urge them to contact police and share it with West Midlands Police. It will be treated as evidence and information that might help us piece together exactly what’s happened.”

West Midlands Ambulance Service said it dealt with a total of 13 people at the crash scene. Strategic Commander Michelle Brotherton said: “Two ambulances arrived on scene within seven minutes of the initial call. Multiple resources were on scene, including doctors, specialist trained paramedics and senior officers.

“Given the nature of the incident, it was a difficult and significant scene, and quickly became apparent there were multiple patients. Despite the best efforts of our staff, five patients were unable to be saved and were confirmed deceased at the scene.

“A sixth patient taken to the Queen Elizabeth Hospital in a critical condition, however, has since sadly passed away.

“A seventh patient remains at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital in a critical condition. Four patients were transported to Heartlands Hospital, all believed to be non-life-threatening, and two further patients were discharged from the scene.

“All of our staff worked extremely well during difficult circumstances, alongside other emergency services. Our thoughts are with the family and friends of those patients involved in this tragic incident.”

Ms Brotherton described the crash scene as “harrowing”, and said “onward care in counselling and support” was being offered to staff.

A spokesman for West Midlands Fire Service said a total of 40 firefighters helped in the aftermath of the crash.

He added that they had been met with a “complex scene, spread over some distance”.