Two British women die in minibus crash during Romania dog rescue mission

Tributes have poured in for two British women who were killed on a dog rescue mission in Romania when their minibus collided with two lorries and a van. 

Allison Condon, 61, and Rachael Harvey-Purkiss, 41, died at the scene along with eight dogs. 

They have been described as 'two rare diamonds'.  

The pair had been collecting abandoned dogs in Caraș-Severin, in western Romania on the border with Serbia, for UK-based charity Homeward Bound. 

However Ms Condon, from Northamptonshire, and Ms Harvey-Purkiss from Essex, were pronounced dead at the scene of the horrific crash, which saw their minibus collide with two HGVs and a van. 

A man aged 60 was also injured, it has been reported. 

The collision occurred at around 11am on Thursday on the DN6 national road, which is the equivalent of an A-road in the UK. 

Local media have cited police sources as saying that the pair's minibus was carrying ten dogs when it veered onto the wrong side of the road. 

Pictured: Charity worker Rachael Harvey-Purkiss, 41, who was killed in the crash in Romania alongside her colleague Allison Condon, 61, and a number of dogs 

Pictured: Romanian fire crews at the scene of the collision working to remove the windscreen from one of the HGVs involved 

It then crashed head-on into an HGV, which hit another truck and the minibus became trapped between the two large vehicles.

The driver of the first HGV was injured in the crash, while a van that was travelling behind the second was also involved in the collision. 

It has been reported that Ms Condon was behind the wheel at the time of the incident while Ms Harvey-Purkiss was in a passenger seat of the UK-registered vehicle. 

Police are continuing to investigate the crash. 

Tributes have now poured in for the two women who were killed in the crash while carrying out charity work in Romania. 

It is understood the pair were transporting the dogs for UK organisation Homeward Bound. 

The charity provides 'care, protection, treatment and security for animals which are lost/found or stolen and are in need of care'. 

Teresa Shears, for Homeward Bound, said in an online tribute: 'As you can well imagine we are grief stricken at this time.

The two British women were declared dead at the scene of the collision, which is believed to have occurred after their minibus veered onto to the wrong side of the road before becoming crushed between to the two lorries

The pair including Rachel Harvey-Purkiss (pictured) were described by the charity Homeward Bound as 'two rare diamonds'

'The tragedy of losing the ladies and our furry family has ripped our hearts out. This terrible accident has hurt us beyond words.

'I have hundreds upon hundreds of messages I am trying to keep up with. But I am struggling to get through so many.

'For now please can I ask you all to be patient with updates and replies. I hope you can understand?

'It's going to take time to come to terms with the loss of life.

'I'm so terribly sorry for the family and friends of the two rare diamonds we have lost but they want us to keep going. We will with your support continue.' 

Ms Condon's daughter Sammie said in a separate post: 'I can't believe I am writing this and I am devastated to have to confirm that my mum, passed away yesterday.

'She and another amazing volunteer, Rachael, were transporting rescue dogs across Europe to a brand-new life when a horrific accident occurred in Romania and both incredible ladies lost their lives, as did most of the dogs in the van.

'This wasn't supposed to happen…I'm still trying to come to terms with the fact it did and we still don't know why or how just yet.

'This was supposed to be a beautiful adventure that brought dogs to the life they dreamed of.'

She added: 'Mum was loved far more than she knew, I only hope she can now see how many people did care about her.'

Meanwhile, Ms Harvey-Purkiss's father Paul wrote in another online post: 'I hope no one is more or again upset by this photo of my daughter just before the crash.'

He added: 'My beautiful daughter Rachael RIP.' 

It is understood that the Foreign Office has not been approached for assistance but that its staff 'stand ready to support British nationals abroad 24/7'.

The FCDO has been approached for further comment.   

• Do YOU have a story? Email William.G.Hallowell@dailymail.co.uk