Crash may delay our wedding says M25 groom

James Forrer said he and fiancée Charlotte Fisher had not decided whether to go ahead with the event in a fortnight's time.

The 27-year-old paid tribute to those who died, and said they had shared a "terrific weekend's celebration filled with laughter".

Two newly qualified doctors, Matthew O'Donnell, 30, and Chris Janaway, 28, plus musicians Andrew Graney, 29, Jon Chandler, 26, and Rohan Chadwick, 28, died when a recovery vehicle carrying the party's broken-down minibus collided with a lorry.

The recovery driver, Michael Hutchinson, 46, from Rugby, also died in Monday's accident.

A third doctor, judge's son Ben Pert — who shared a flat with Dr Janaway and Dr O'Donnell in Brighton — is in hospital with a broken leg.

Mr Forrer said: "The accident ended the lives of five beautiful friends. Some had known each other for many years.

"Everyone who knew them has been inconsolable. I'm so grateful we were all able to share a terrific weekend's celebration which was filled with laughter.

"Coming to terms with a loss of such magnitude will require much time and energy and the warmth and love of all of the families and friends involved."

Mr Forrer was due to marry the 27-year-old Miss Fisher, also from Brighton, on 20 May, but yesterday he said: "I have not made any firm decision regarding the timing of my wedding."

The group of 13 men were returning from Leicestershire when the bus broke down on the M1.

The AA took seven, including Mr Forrer, to Brighton. A rescue van picked up the minibus and the remaining six, but collided with a lorry between Reigate and Leatherhead at 2.15am.

Polish-born lorry driver Jerzy Adamski was uninjured and is being treated as a witness.

Mr Chandler's sister Emma praised his "passionate outlook on life" and said there were "not enough hours in the day" for him to achieve all he wanted to, including getting his band, The Mojo Fins, off the ground.

The band's first single, due out next Monday, is now on hold.

She said: "He was extremely popular with many friends and family that loved his dry wit, enthusiasm and passionate outlook on life."

His bandmates said in a statement: "He was an exceptionally talented songwriter and gifted performer.

"We feel privileged to have known him and share in his gentleness, kindness and generosity."

Meanwhile the family of Dr Janaway, a junior A&E doctor at Royal Sussex County Hospital, Brighton, said in a statement: "Chris was always very popular, warm-hearted, great company, and readily gave his time to others."