UK Band Viola Beach Killed in Swedish Car Crash

Image: Facebook

UK rock band Viola Beach and their manager have died after the car they were travelling in plunged more than 24-metres off a bridge into a canal in Sweden.

The band–Kris Leonard, River Reeves, Tomas Lowe and Jack Dakin – and their manager Craig Tarry were killed after their vehicle went through the barrier of a bridge which had opened to let a boat pass underneath.

The incident occurred 2.30am on Saturday in Sodertalje, 28 kilometres from the capital Stockholm.

The band had played at the Where's the Music? festival in Norrköping the previous day.

Witnesses quoted in Swedish media said the car drove at full speed past other stationary cars and careened off the bridge into the water.

The Warrington-based band released their debut single Swings & Waterslides last year.

When asked by the Liverpool Echo last year about his musical influences, singer-guitarist Kris Leonard said, "I'm definitely not consciously influenced by anyone", but mentioned The Coral, The Zutons, The Beatles and Hooton Tennis Club as being among his favourite Liverpool bands.

Fans and musicians took to Twitter on Sunday to pay tribute to the up-and-coming band.

It is so sad to hear of the passing of the band members and manager of Viola Beach. I used to see them out in liverpool. brings perspective

— Låpsley (@MusicLapsley) February 14, 2016

Tragic news about Viola Beach. Young band, first tour outside the UK. My thoughts are with their families and friends.

— Billy Bragg (@billybragg) February 14, 2016