Devoted Father Killed in Horrific 90mph Birmingham Collision
A beloved Birmingham father and businessman was tragically killed when a driver travelling at 90mph smashed into the back of his car, causing a devastating eight-vehicle pileup. Hizar Hanif, aged 32, was a passenger in his own BMW on Soho Road in Handsworth when the fatal collision occurred around 8:20pm on February 18, 2024.
A Fatal Decision and a Week of Escalating Crisis
The driver, Mohammed Ali, 27, of Birchfield, had deliberately postponed a crucial depot injection to treat his schizophrenia one week earlier in order to go on a religious pilgrimage to Saudi Arabia. Following this decision, his mental health deteriorated rapidly. He began hearing voices and experiencing delusions, which included an incident where he tried to destroy a Quran by putting it in an oven, believing it contained black magic.
Despite his family raising concerns and calling mental health services, Ali disengaged from support. On the day of the crash, his erratic driving was already evident. He was involved in a minor collision on Villa Road, ran a red light at the junction with Soho Road, and nearly lost control of his Audi before accelerating and overtaking vehicles.
The Moment of Impact and Immediate Aftermath
Ali's Audi ploughed into the back of Mr Hanif's BMW with what a judge later described as 'ferocious' force. The impact propelled the BMW into the path of an oncoming car driven by Balvinder Bhogal, who suffered severe injuries including broken ribs and a spinal bone, requiring her to be cut free from the wreckage. Mr Hanif died instantly from multiple injuries.
Ali, who was helped from his car, stumbled away and sat on the steps of Handsworth Library, rocking back and forth until police arrived. He was taken to Sandwell Hospital where he assaulted an emergency worker, PC Matthew Genthen, by making homophobic comments, kicking him, and spitting in his face.
Heartbreaking Court Statements and Legal Proceedings
At Birmingham Crown Court, Judge Sarah Buckingham heard emotional victim impact statements from Mr Hanif's family. His wife, Kiran Khanum, described losing her 'soulmate' and the 'heart of our family,' stating that their son 'didn't have enough time with daddy.' His father, Mohammed Hanif, spoke of a 'permanent wound that will never heal.'
The court heard that Mr Hanif and his best friend, Waqar Sadiq, who was driving the BMW, were on their way to drop off a suit for Mr Sadiq's wedding, which was scheduled for one week later. Mr Hanif was to be the best man. Mr Sadiq suffered whiplash in the crash and described how what should have been the happiest time of his life turned into shock and grief, leading to a small, intimate home ceremony instead of a planned celebration.
Ali ultimately confessed his guilt a few days before his trial was due to begin earlier this year. He admitted causing death by dangerous driving, causing serious injury by dangerous driving, and assaulting an emergency worker.
Sentencing and Judicial Remarks
On Friday, April 17, 2026, Judge Buckingham sentenced Ali to seven years in prison and banned him from driving for four years and six months upon his release. The judge acknowledged the 'profound and ongoing' impact on the victims' families and noted the 'twist of fate' that meant Mr Hanif was a passenger in his own car that evening, having gone out earlier and been too tired to drive.
Judge Buckingham stated that while Ali was a young man with longstanding mental health problems under community care, his condition could be managed with medication. She emphasized that his decision to prioritise his trip to Saudi Arabia over his depot injection was deliberate. The court was told that Ali was due to receive his injection the day after the fatal crash.
Defence barrister Michael Cogan stated that Ali's remorse was genuine and that he had become a 'recluse' in his own home since the incident, effectively imprisoning himself. Ali directed his barrister to apologise to every member of the affected families in open court.
