Bill and May Duff, both aged 93 and from Wincham near Northwich in Cheshire, died after their black Citroen Picasso was involved in the incident on the A49 at Bayston Hill at 2.35pm on Tuesday 13 September.

They were pulled from their vehicle by members of the public after it caught alight, but they both died later at the Royal Shrewsbury Hospital. Mr and Mrs Duff’s identities were released today after the coroner for Shropshire opened and adjourned an inquest into their deaths.

A family statement released today, said: “Bill and May Duff were both born in 1918 within days of each other in Liverpool. They grew up together and became childhood sweethearts.

“The advent of war saw them separated and they subsequently went their individual ways to marry and raise their families (Bill a son and daughter, and May three sons and a daughter).

“Both single again, fate brought them together again in 1998 through Bill’s brother and they married in 2001 in Liverpool at the grand young age of 83. They lived their lives to the full together in Northwich until tragedy struck on Tuesday afternoon.

“They are fondly remembered with love by all their family and friends.”

The collision involved three other vehicles, a red Ford C Max, a silver BMW and a grey Skoda Octavia estate. The man and woman in the Ford C Max suffered fractures and other injuries and were taken by air ambulance to QE Hospital, Birmingham where they both remain in a serious condition.

PC Tom Symonds, who is investigating the incident, said: “This very serious collision killed one couple and two others remain in hospital a week later; we continue to appeal for witnesses.

“Anyone who witnessed the incident last week should contact me on the West Mercia Police non-emergency number, 0300 333 3000.”