Heathrow crash: First pictures of "angel" BA cabin crew members killed in smash

Heartbroken friends of three British Airways staff who died in a New Year's Eve crash near Heathrow Airport have paid emotional tributes.

Joe Finnis, 25, Dominic Fell, 23, and Rachel Clark, 20, were killed in the tragedy, pals revealed online, while a fourth employee was seriously injured.

The airline has paid tribute to the trio. just weeks before the crash.

The tragedy happened when a Mercedes HGV smashed into their Toyota Yaris car shortly before midnight on New Year's Eve.

A 25-year-old woman, who was also travelling in the Yaris, remains in a serious condition in hospital.

A fundraising appeal called the "BA Angels Fund" to support the families of the victims has raised more than £40,000 to support the victims' families and the surviving woman.

Friend Bailey Faulkner, who knew the two male victims, wrote on Facebook : "It’s a sad time when you get a message being told that two close mates from the skies have both passed away minutes before 2020!

"Joe Finnis and (Dominic Fell) I couldn’t thank you both for the endless trips together all across the world which each time was full of boozing and laughters, not forgetting the days spent sat in the pub!

"Gutted you’ve gone but you’ll never be forgotten! Keep flying high."

Dominic Fell, 23, had worked for BA for more than two years (Facebook)

Rachel Clark, 20, had just started her dream job as a flight attendant (Facebook)

Claire Emery wrote on the fundraising page: "Joe was my apprenticeship coach when I started BA in June. Joe was extremely kind, supportive and empathetic. My deepest condolences to Joe's family."

This was echoed by Malgorzata Kubik, who wrote: "Joe was my coach and he always made sure we were ok.

"I hope he is in a better place now and I would like to send big hugs to his friends and family I am with you in this painful and difficult time especially of that time a year."

Another pal, Daniel Seymour, wrote: "Joe has been my good friend for a while. I even was in the gym with him on the day he passed. I'm so sad and wish him to have the best send off possible. As well as the others involved in the accident. They will all be missed."

Laura Stewart wrote: "Dom and Joe were truly special men and I hope that their families take some comfort in knowing that they were so loved by everyone they have flown with! I’ll miss you."

Hannah Morris posted: "A truly heartbreaking loss to our flying family, an absolute pleasure to have flown with and will be deeply missed by all."

British Airways cabin crew worker Amber Keeling posted: "Love you Dom Rest in peace to you all xxxxx"

And Michelle Leshone wrote: "My heart aches for the young lives lost , and also that of their friends and families , fly high Dom we will love you forever."

Paying tribute to the female crash victim, Emily Diss wrote: "Such a beautiful girl inside and out heartbroken to hear this sad news xxx"

Friend Emily Fabiani wrote on Facebook: "So so so sad. Rest in perfect peace Rachel. Such a lovely soul taken way too soon."

BA confirmed three cabin crew members had passed away after the crash, also involving an HGV (UKNIP)

The crash happened at 11.39pm in Stanwell, Surrey, and police said the white Mercedes HGV left the road and ended up in Longford River.

The driver of the lorry was taken to hospital as a precaution.

The victims' next of kin have been informed and no arrests have been made.

British Airways said in a statement: "We’re deeply saddened to learn of the death of our colleagues involved in a road traffic collision last night.                                                                 

"Our thoughts are with their family and friends, who we are supporting at this distressing time."