Family of tragic A12 truck driver Gurdip Johal say they will 'miss him forever'

Gurdip Johal, 30, was driving the truck which crashed onto the southbound lane at Coleman's Bridge, near Witham on Wednesday.

Mr Johal, a mechanic by trade, had been married for one year and lived in Witham.

Gurdip with his wife Mandy Kaur Johal on their wedding day

His sister, Mandip Kaur, told the Gazette: "We are going to miss him forever and we are never going to be OK.

Gurdip, centre, with sister Mandip, and brother Amandip.

"It doesn't feel real. It doesn't feel like this has actually happened."

The 21-year-old, who lives in Ilford with mum Manjit Kaur and brother Amandip Kaur, added: "We found out on Thursday morning.

Mandip being held by big brother Gurdip

"My brother and I woke up to my mum screaming and telling that he has gone.

"I didn't know what was happening because it was so out of the blue."

Miss Kaur said her father died when she was very young, in Manor Park, east London, and Mr Johal had helped to look after her.

She added: "I've lost more than a brother, I've lost the man who was a father figure to me.

"He was so good to us. He always looked out for us and made sure we were alright."

In April last year, Mr Johal was married and moved from east London to Witham and began working with Harris Truck and Van, based in Wheaton Road.

The family last saw Mr Johal about six months ago, when he visited the family home from Witham.

Miss Kaur added: "Unfortunately for our family, we have had some tough times and not really a lot of happy memories.

"But the ones we have had with Gurdip, I am going to make sure I remember forever.

"He has worked hard all his life and has always helped.

"He had to step up and he did and we will always be grateful for that."

The loving sister also said the family is at a loss as to how the crash could have happened.

Eye-witnesses say Mr Johal’s truck fell from Coleman's bridge, landed on the southbound carriageway and slid onto the grass verge and burst into flames.

It was carrying a large industrial sized battery.

Miss Kaur added: "We just have no idea how this could have happened.

"He has been driving vehicles like that for ten plus years. He wasn't just some clumsy driver so there has to be reason this has happened.

"None of it makes sense and we are struggling to accept this is real."

In a statement, Mr Johal's wife's family said his death had been "tragic".

They added: "Gurdip was a dearly loved husband, son, brother and friend to everyone who knew him. 

"He will be immensely missed by his life partner, Mandy Johal, and her family. 

"He was a caring husband always putting a smile on everyone’s face."

No funeral arrangements have been made yet.