The fatal accident involving three cars happened on Belgrave Middleway, near Edgbaston, at around 1am this morning.
Black cab driver Imitaz Mohammed, 32, was among six people who were killed in the pile-up that threw victims from vehicles, leaving harrowing scenes of devastation.
Imitaz is believed to have picked up his final fare of the night and had messaged his wife to tell her he would be home, just minutes before the crash.
In touching tributes, Mohammed, who lived in Small Heath with his wife and six children, was described as a "legend" that "everyone loves".
His heartbroken brother Noor Khan said: “Imitaz Mohammed in one word is a legend. He got married at young age, he’s raised a family, he’s got properties, and as well he was doing taxi. Working, working, grafting from a young age."
Tauqeer Hussain, also from Small Heath, Birmingham, has also been confirmed as a victim by his neighbours.
A neighbour of Hussain, thought to have been a passenger in an Audi, said: "I saw him just yesterday, I can't believe it's happened. It’s such an awful shame."
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A female passenger riding in the cab died at the scene after the vehicle was left on its side, with a male passenger later dying in hospital.
Three men, two of whom are Hussain and Mohammed, died at the scene – and a fourth left in critical condition – after being hurled from their vehicle in the tragedy.
And to the astonishment of the services, a man and a woman escaped with minor injuries despite their car being destroyed in the crash.
Horrifying pictures of the scene showed debris from the mangled wreckage of cars scattered on the road, with cops cordoning off the road.
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A West Midlands Ambulance Service spokesman said: "The second vehicle, a 'black cab', was on its side.
"Sadly, there was nothing that could be done to save the driver and he was confirmed dead at the scene. The man and woman in the back were rapidly extricated.
"Unfortunately, it was not possible to save the woman and she was also confirmed dead at the scene.
"The man was taken on blue lights to the major trauma centre at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital Birmingham with the MERIT trauma doctor travelling with the crew. Sadly, he died at hospital."
In a press conference after the smash, cops said they are aware that the road had been gritted last night.
Police said they cannot speculate on the cause of the crash at this stage, but the gritting will be a factor assessed in the investigation.
Officers added that speed of the cars, driving conditions and seatbelts will also be looked at.
The force has not yet informed the families of all of the fatalaties, and said it cannot release any names at this stage.
The ages of those killed in the crash can also not currently be released.
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One person ordering food at a nearby McDonalds – who described it as "the most horrible thing I have ever witnessed" – said the crash caused such a noise people rushed out of their cars and flats.
Lizzy Bowers said on Facebook: "I was at the McDonald's drive through when this happened, everyone ran out their cars and flats to come look over the edge and it was the most horrible thing I have ever witnessed.
"I hope everyone involved is okay, especially this close to Christmas. Tragic."
She added:"There was two people lying lifeless about 20ft apart from each other and then a people carrier taxi squashed up the wall against another car, which was almost unrecognisable as a car.
"I saw at least two people trapped under the taxi, not moving, could only see their legs."
All first responders at the scene are doing their very best in very difficult and upsetting circumstances. This is a very serious incident. If you saw the crash happen or the circumstances leading up to it, please call us now on 101.
— West Midlands Police (@WMPolice) December 17, 2017
“Imitaz Mohammed in one word is a legend”
Noor Khan, brother of victim Imitaz Mohammed
People took to social media to express their horror at the news of fatalities.
One person said on Twitter: "Thinking of those and their families caught up in the horrific crash in Birmingham."
Another added: "Brutal to hear six dead from a car crash in Birmingham last night.
"Thoughts are with their families, this close to Christmas you wish that on no person."
Sgt Alan Hands – from the Collision Investigation Unit – said: "We are currently dealing with a very serious collision and working with partner agencies to establish what caused this collision to happen.
"Our thoughts and deepest sympathies remain with the families of those who have very sadly lost their lives this morning and those who have been injured or caught up in this incident."
Six dead as multiple cars crash in horrific Birmingham pile-up
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West Midlands Fire Service said 40 firefighters helped in the aftermath of the "horrific" crash.
Area Commander Jason Campbell said: "The first West Midlands Fire Service crews arrived in less than four minutes and were met with a complex scene, spread over some distance.
"Our firefighters' actions involved stabilising vehicles, releasing the dead and injured, as well as administering CPR and first aid.
"All of the emergency services worked together and co-ordinated their response in extremely challenging circumstances, doing all they possibly could to minimise the loss of life."