Two Romanians died after a van drove into a group of pedestrians in Doncaster, United Kingdom

Aurelian Porfire, 49, and Dumitru Gheorghe Blidariu, 56, died after being hit by a van on White Rose Way in Doncaster, the United Kingdom. The accident occurred on Sunday, September 13, 2026, at around 11:00 a.m., and the victims’ identities were confirmed on Thursday, September 24, at the opening of the coroner’s inquest.

According to South Yorkshire Police, a black Mitsubishi L200 struck the group of pedestrians between Carriage Drive and the Middle Bank roundabout, then collided with an Audi and a BMW travelling in the opposite direction. The two Romanians died at the scene despite the efforts of medical crews. Four other people were taken to hospital with serious but non-life-threatening injuries.

The victims were walking on the pavement. Aurelian Porfire was carrying his identity documents, while Dumitru Gheorghe Blidariu’s driving licence was found in a bag. Police confirmed their identities with the help of their families, who live outside the United Kingdom and were informed through the Embassy of Romania.

The van driver, a 30-year-old man, was arrested on suspicion of dangerous driving, driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs, and causing injury to other people. He was released on bail. The investigation is at an early stage, and police are seeking witnesses and dashcam footage.