The members of British band Viola Beach were killed when their car went through a barrier on a bridge and into a canal in Sweden.
The incident occurred in the Sodertalje area of the capital Stockholm on Saturday.
Local police said divers recovered the bodies of five victims — aged between 20 and 35 — after the vehicle plunged more than 25m through a gap in the bridge which had opened to let a boat pass underneath.
Tributes have been paid on social media for the four-piece band who were from Warrington, Cheshire. Manager Craig Tarry is understood to be the fifth person in the car.
According to the band's Facebook page, Viola Beach involved Kris Leonard, River Reeves, Tomas Lowe and Jack Dakin.
A UK foreign office spokeswoman said: “We are in contact with local authorities and supporting the families at this very difficult time”.
The bridge, at the Saltskogs junction between the E4 and the E20 motorways, has a middle section that rises directly upwards without tilting, leaving a gap that the Nissan Qashqai drove into, Swedish police said.
Warning signs
A barrier, 50m before the opening, has flashing lights and signs warning there is a bridge opening, the officer handling the case said.
"For some reason, the car drove through the barriers and crashed down into the canal," Inspector Martin Bergholm said.
Drivers of other cars were waiting behind the barrier but it is not yet known whether a boat had already passed or was waiting to pass.
“The witnesses just saw a car beside them and kind of disappear,” Mr Bergholm added.
He said it was not yet known if the men were wearing seatbelts but added “that would not have helped them.”
The men were identified using the passports they had on them and Swedish police are working with the UK foreign office global response centre.
British band The Enemy wrote on social media: “RIP Viola Beach and their manager. Such incredibly tragic and sad news. Thought with the friends and families of all involved x.”
The up-and-coming band were on tour and due to play a string of dates at venues across the UK. They were scheduled to play at the Boiler Room in Guildford on Saturday but the gig was cancelled.
Radio One DJ Huw Stephens posted a Tweet saying: “So sorry to hear the news about Viola Beach and their manager. The saddest news. Thinking of all their families at this awful time.”
PA