Father Killed in 90mph Soho Road Crash: Driver Sentenced to Seven Years
A devoted father and husband from Birmingham was killed instantly in a horrific crash on Soho Road, Handsworth, after a driver traveling at three times the speed limit smashed into the back of his vehicle. The tragic incident, which occurred on February 18, 2024, has led to a seven-year prison sentence for the driver responsible.
The Fatal Collision
Mohammed Ali, 27, was driving his Audi at approximately 90mph in a 30mph zone when he collided with the BMW driven by Hizar Hanif's best friend, Waqar Sadiq. The impact was so severe that it involved eight vehicles in total, with Judge Sarah Buckingham describing the force as "ferocious" after reviewing CCTV footage and images of the wreckage.
Hizar Hanif, 32, who was in the passenger seat of his own car, died instantly in the crash. His friend Waqar Sadiq, who was driving at the time, suffered whiplash injuries but survived. The court heard that Mr. Hanif would have been driving himself if not for a "twist of fate"—he had gone out earlier in the day and was too tired to drive, but had accompanied Mr. Sadiq to help with a suit for his upcoming wedding, where Mr. Hanif was to serve as best man.
Driver's Mental Health and Sentencing
During the proceedings at Birmingham Crown Court, it was revealed that Mohammed Ali had suffered a relapse of a mental disorder, likely schizophrenia, prior to the crash. Judge Buckingham noted that Ali had been under the care of a community mental health team, but disengaged from treatment and missed a crucial medication injection because he prioritized an imminent trip to Saudi Arabia.
"Your condition could be managed provided you took medication and didn't disengage, but you did disengage and missed your injection because your focus was on your imminent trip to Saudi Arabia," Judge Buckingham stated. "That appears to be a deliberate decision on your part prioritising that trip over and above staying to take your depot injection."
Ali, of Robert Road, Birchfield, pleaded guilty to causing death by dangerous driving, causing serious injury to a woman in another car by dangerous driving, and assaulting an emergency worker. On April 17, 2026, he was sentenced to seven years in prison and banned from driving for four years and six months upon his release.
Community Impact and Aftermath
The crash has left a profound impact on the local community, highlighting the dangers of speeding and the critical importance of mental health management. The loss of Hizar Hanif, described as a loving father and husband, underscores the devastating consequences of such incidents on families and friends.
This case serves as a stark reminder of the legal and personal responsibilities associated with driving, especially for individuals with known health conditions. Authorities continue to emphasize road safety measures to prevent similar tragedies in the future.
