Mr Hanif – said to have been a married father – was killed after an Audi smashed into a car he was sitting in on Soho Road
This is the first picture of tragic Hizar Hanif who was killed after an Audi smashed into a car he was sitting in on Soho Road. A huge outpouring of grief followed the death of the married dad, who suffered catastrophic injuries in the collision on Sunday evening.
He had not been formally named but Mr Hanif was repeatedly identified in online tributes. He was in his 30s, reportedly from Handsworth, and ran Checkpoint Tyre Service off Lichfield Road, close to Spaghetti Junction. He was also said to have been due to act as best man at a friend’s wedding later this week.
A man aged 25 was arrested on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving. An array of bouquets marked the spot where the Audi ploughed into vehicles leaving others injured. A card left on one of the flowers read: “To Allah we belong and to him we shall return. May Allah have mercy on your soul.”
Hundreds of heartfelt tributes were paid online to Mr Hanif. Maria Nawaz wrote online: “May Allah give his family and poor wife and child all the sabr needed in such a difficult time.
“My beautiful friend, Hizar, may you be blessed like you blessed all of our lives. A true friend, always have been proud of you and always will be.”
Taz Ali said: “Hiza was a nice friendly guy. May allah s.w.t. give his family sabr. And grant Hiza Hanif a place in jannat ul firdous. Ameen. R.I.P. HIZA.”
Ronnie Humayun wrote: “I can’t believe Hiza brother has passed away! I spoke to him few days ago and he wasn’t feeling well and now to hear this! May Allah grant him Jannah. Truly a respected brother, he will be missed! Shocking news.”
MP Khalid Mahmood said: “Our community mourns the tragic loss of Hizar Hanif, a victim of the devastating accident on Soho Road, Birmingham, this past Sunday. My deepest condolences go out to his family and loved ones during this incredibly difficult time.
“Our thoughts also go to the two individuals hospitalised for injuries sustained in the incident, and we hope for their swift recovery. As we await the outcome of the investigation, let us come together as a community to support one another in the face of this heartbreaking loss.
“Our thoughts and prayers are with Hizar Hanif’s family and friends.”
Mr Hanif’s family are sitting at the Jamia Mosque, off Windmill Lane, in Smethwick. A West Midlands Police spokesperson said on Monday: “We’ve made an arrest after a man sadly died following a collision in Soho Road, Birmingham. An Audi hit a number of vehicles at around 8.20pm.
“A passenger in a stationary vehicle, aged in his 30s, sustained serious injuries and tragically died. Two other people were taken to hospital to be treated for injuries.
“A 25-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving and was taken to hospital for treatment. He will be questioned following his treatment.
“We’ve secured some CCTV and dashcam footage but remain keen to hear from anyone with information who can assist our investigation.”