North Yorkshire Police has concluded its investigation into a crash on the A61 at South Stainley in which three people died.

Daria Bartienieva, 35, her son, six-year-old Ihor Bartieniev, and Daria’s 15-year-old stepdaughter, Anastasiia Bartienieva, were killed in a three-vehicle collision that involved a double-decker bus on September 3, 2023.

All three were from Ukraine and were living in Ripon at the time.

Daria and Ihor's inquests opened shortly after their deaths. The provisional cause of death for both victims was given as “multiple injuries” due to blunt force trauma.

Anastasiia’s inquest opening was held separately. 

The court heard at the time the teenager was a front seat passenger in a car involved in the collision, and her provisional cause of death was also attributed to multiple injuries due to blunt force trauma.

North Yorkshire Police launched an appeal for witnesses and information after the collision. 

Almost 18 months on, the Stray Ferret contacted the force for an update. We asked if anyone had ever been charged in connection to the incident.

A spokesperson said nobody has been charged and the investigation is now complete.

A report has been passed to the coroner, they said. 

A fundraiser set up for Liza Bartienieva, who was left orphaned, reached nearly £50,000 in the aftermath of the crash. 

The driver of a 36 bus was taken to hospital with leg injuries following the collision.

Some of the bus passengers sustained minor injuries and were also taken to hospital.

A Toyota was also involved in the crash, but the two occupants were not injured.

Four deaths in eight days

The crash was the second fatal collision on the road in the space of eight days.

On August 26, 2023, a 59-year-old was killed on the same stretch. 

Three cars were involved in the collision, including a dark coloured Suzuki Bandit Motorcycle, a dark coloured Land Rover Discovery and a white Ford Transit Van.

The rider of the motorcycle died.

The incidents led to calls for change on the road, including a plea from a South Stainley woman whose parents were killed in a collision on the A61. 

In October, North Yorkshire Council approved plans to reduce the speed limit on the road between Ripon and Ripley from 60mph to 50mph but this is yet to be implemented.

Conservative MP Sir Julian Smith urged the council to take further action to improve road safety on the A61. He asked council chief executive, Richard Flinton to also consider removing the overtaking lane at South Stainley.