A north woman who was killed in a horrific crash in England has been described by friends as “a true gem”.
Marlene Mutch died when her car was involved collision with two other vehicles on the southbound carriageway of the A11 Norwich-Thetford road.
It is understood that police are investigating claims that the 46-year-old Peugeot 306 was travelling in the wrong direction on the dual carriageway before the crash, which happened at Besthorpe at around 11.30pm on Valentine’s Day.
Witnesses said the Peugeot struck one vehicle – a Vauxhall Zafira – head-on, before colliding with a Ford Focus.
Ms Mutch, who was alone in her car, died at the scene.
The lone driver of the Vauxhall, Rachel Huxley, 30, of Attleborough, later died at the Norfolk and Norwich Hospital.
The four occupants of the Ford Focus suffered minor injuries and tried to help in the aftermath of the smash.
Ms Mutch’s family, who live in Inverness, declined to speak about the tragedy yesterday.
She is understood to have moved to Norwich several years ago and had worked for Aviva Insurance for the past two years.
She is survived by two sons, Dillon and Patrick, and her parents John and Patricia.
An Aviva spokesman said staff at the company were “deeply saddened” by Ms Mutch’s death.
He added: “She will be greatly missed by all of us who knew and worked with her and we would like to express our sincere sympathy to her family and friends, on behalf of all the staff here at Aviva.”
One of Ms Mutch’s colleagues, Rachael Gething, said: “Marlene was such a lovely, lively woman who lit up every room she walked into, she forever had us laughing and never failed to bring a smile to people’s faces.”
She added: “I cannot even begin to understand what her family are going through and my thoughts are with them all at this tragic time.
“The world has lost a true gem and I am not sure I will ever meet someone as honest, lively and genuine as her.”
Another friend, Frosoulla Lindridge, said: “She was funny, kind, loyal, had a heart of gold and would literally do anything for anyone.
“She would give you her last pound if you needed it, she loved her sons, family and friends more than anything. This lady loved life.
“We are completely heartbroken and devastated by the news, our lives will never be the same again without her.”