A lorry driver who killed four people after he crashed into the back of a minibus on the M25 has been jailed for three years.

The victims were returning from a day trip from a homeless hostel when the “tragic accident” happened near Waltham Abbey, Essex, on 23 August 2021.

Three people – aged between 31 and 60 – died at the scene while a fourth died later from her injuries.

Ethan Burdett, from Ipswich, pleaded guilty to four offences of causing death by careless driving in April.

During sentencing at Chelmsford Crown Court on Thursday, Burdett was also disqualified from driving for three years.

The 67-year-old had been on his way to South Mimms service station, in Hertfordshire, at the time of the crash, having set off from Ipswich.

He failed to react quickly enough to the minibus braking in front of him and crashed into it, forcing the vehicle into the back of another car, the court heard.

Abigael Muamba, 31, Dexter Augustus, 60, and Jennifer Smith, 59, all from London, died at the scene.

Lisa Gardiner, 44, also from London, died later from her injuries. All four victims had been travelling inside the minibus.

Gregory Wedge, prosecuting, said the 11 passengers onboard were either residents or members of staff at a homeless hostel in Walthamstow in north-east London.

They had been returning from a trip to Southend-on-Sea having “enjoyed a day by the seaside”, Mr Wedge said.

The prosecutor said Burdett had not been under the influence of drugs or alcohol, nor had he been using a mobile device prior to the crash.

He added that a vehicle in front of him could have “obstructed Mr Burdett’s view of the traffic queue”.

Addressing Burdett directly in court, Deborah Douglas said her sister, Ms Smith, “would light up a room”.

She added: “On that sunny day… you flicked the switch in our world and instantly dimmed the beautiful bright light that was my sister Jen.”

Arpy Augustus said his brother, Mr Augustus, was a “gifted and much-loved individual”.

Ms Muamba was always “calm, smiling and happy,” her mother Berthine Muamba said.

Mark Gardiner, the husband of Mrs Gardiner, said she was “a loving wife, daughter and devoted mother to our sons”.

Her father urged Burdett to “carry that remorse with you every day of your life” but added it was a “tragic accident”.

Burdett, of Haven Marina, Ipswich, wept in the dock while the statements were read to the court earlier.

His barrister, Alex Stein, said he “certainly didn’t set out to hurt anyone that day”.