An investigation into the crash that caused the death of British band Viola Beach and their manager in Sweden on Saturday has been opened by Swedish police.
Band members Kris Leonard, River Reeves, Tomas Lowe, Jack Dakin and their manager Craig Tarry, all aged between 19 and 32, were killed when the car they were travelling in plunged more than 80ft into a canal in Sweden.
The crash happened just hours after the Warrington band had played their first gig outside of the UK at the Where Is The Music? festival in Norrkoping. Their car crashed at around 2:30am local time near Stockholm.
The band’s label, Communion, has said all proceeds from their current single ‘Boys That Sing’ will be donated to the band members’ and managers’ families.
Swedish police told the BBC the car had fallen through a gap in the bridge that had opened to let a boat pass through. Police added that two sets of safety barriers had been in place on the bridge, as had flashing red warning lights, and that other drivers had been waiting.
The car is being investigated by officers to determine the cause of the crash, the broadcaster reported.
Inspector Martin Bergholm said: "For some reason, the car drove through the barriers and crashed down into the canal."
"The witnesses just saw a car beside them and kind of disappear."
Police spokeswoman Carena Skagerlend added: "We don't know anything about what caused the accident yet and we don't want to speculate until we know."
Tributes have poured in for the group that described itself as “indie pop”. Viola Beach had released three singles and had appeared on BBC Introducing last year.
The family of Mr Leonard, 20, said: "Words cannot express the sadness we feel at the loss of our precious Kristian. He was doing the job he loved and will be missed so much by his family and friends."
"We ask for privacy to grieve at this devastating time."
The family of Mr Reeves, 19, said they were "heartbroken" by his death alongside the bandmates and manager "he adored and loved".
In a statement, they said: "All River wanted to do was perform and entertain and to think that he will never make us laugh again with his ridiculous impressions and cheeky banter is beyond comprehension for all his family."
Relatives of Mr Lowe described him as "the best son, brother, uncle and friend you could ever wish for" and said his life had been "tragically cut short".
Mr Tarry's family said they were "devastated" and "grieving the loss of their son and also for the other families involved in this tragic accident".
The Boileroom in Guildford, where the band had been scheduled to play on Saturday, posted on Instagram that its managers were “saddened and devastated” to hear of the crash, while band Kasabian said in a statement: “Our hearts go out to the families and friends of Viola Beach. So sad x.”
The band, who previously toured with The Courteeners, were just weeks away from playing a homecoming gig at Warrington's Pyramid on March 12.
Additional reporting by PA
