‘Larger than life’ tribute to M65 smash victim

Mazafar Iqbal who died in a crash on the M65 (s)

Mohammed Iqbal (49), from Burnley, and Mazafer Iqbal (47), of Brierfield, were killed when their car, a blue Peugeot 106, was in collision with two other vehicles between Junctions 9 and 10 eastbound at 2-15am on Saturday.

Nelson Coun. Mohammed Iqbal, who has the same name as one of the victims, said he had got to know father-of-four Mazafer on a pilgrimage to Saudi Arabia 12 years ago. He also knew Mohammed, who has two children.

Coun. Iqbal said: “They were very popular men and life-long friends.

“It’s tragic to have two families devastated so close to the festival of Eid.

“They are trying to arrange the funerals as soon as possible but obviously there is an on-going police investigation.

“I knew Mazafer very well. People use the term ‘larger than life’ and he was the epitomy of that. You never saw him without a smile, even if you were down he could bring a smile to your face.

“I knew Mohammed as well. They were the best of friends for 35 years and did everything together.

“Tragically they died together and will be buried side by side.”