Key Points
- A serious crash occurred on the A12 southbound near Bow Roundabout just before 11pm on 30 December.
- Emergency services including the Metropolitan Police, London Ambulance Service (LAS), London Fire Brigade (LFB), and London’s Air Ambulance attended the scene.
- A man was treated at the scene and taken to a major trauma centre.
- The incident caused significant disruption to traffic in the area late on Tuesday night.
- Authorities have not yet confirmed the man’s condition or the cause of the collision.
- Investigations are ongoing, and road users were advised to avoid the area.
A man has been taken to hospital following a serious crash on the A12 southbound near Bow Roundabout late on Tuesday night, 30 December, prompting a major emergency response and causing substantial delays across east London.
What happened on the A12 southbound near Bow Roundabout?
According to reports from the London Ambulance Service (LAS), emergency crews were called at 10:57pm after receiving reports of a road traffic collision near the junction with Bow Roundabout.
As confirmed by an LAS spokesperson in a statement carried by several outlets, including Evening Standard and MyLondon,
“We were called on Tuesday 30 December at 10.57pm to reports of a road traffic collision on the A12 southbound at the junction with Bow roundabout. We sent resources including ambulance crews, a clinical team manager, an incident response officer, a clinician in a response car and London’s air ambulance. We treated a man at the scene before taking him to a London major trauma centre.”
Emergency teams remained at the scene for an extended period into the early hours of Wednesday, working to stabilise the patient and clear the wreckage. Photos and videos shared on social media showed flashing lights and emergency vehicles lined up along the A12, highlighting the severity of the situation.
Which emergency services responded to the crash?
As reported by Miriam Burrell of the Evening Standard, a large number of emergency service personnel, including paramedics, firefighters, and police officers, attended the incident shortly after it occurred. London’s Air Ambulance, a specialist trauma response team, also landed nearby given the potentially life-threatening nature of the crash.
A Metropolitan Police spokesperson, quoted by MyLondon, stated that officers were among the first to arrive at the scene to assist paramedics and manage traffic flow.
“We were called at 10.58pm to reports of a collision on the southbound carriageway of the A12 near Bow Roundabout,”
the spokesperson said.
“Emergency services, including London Fire Brigade and the London Ambulance Service, attended. A male was taken to hospital. His condition has been assessed as not life-threatening.”
The London Fire Brigade (LFB) later confirmed their presence at the incident, sharing that crews assisted in making the vehicles involved safe while supporting medical teams at the scene.
Was traffic affected after the crash?
Traffic along the A12 southbound, one of east London’s principal routes, faced major disruption following the incident. According to traffic monitoring site Inrix, the southbound carriageway was partially closed between the Bow Roundabout and the Old Ford junction, resulting in delays for motorists heading towards Stratford and the Blackwall Tunnel approach.
Several drivers took to social media platform X (formerly Twitter) on Tuesday night to share updates about long queues and diversions. One user wrote:
“Avoid the A12 near Bow — standstill traffic. Major police and ambulance presence.”
As reported by BBC London Travel around 11:30pm, congestion built up quickly in both directions, and motorists were urged to find alternative routes. The road was fully reopened in the early hours of Wednesday morning after police concluded their on-site investigation.
What do the police and investigators say about the cause of the crash?
At this stage, the Metropolitan Police have not released details about the circumstances leading to the collision. No other vehicles or additional casualties have been reported as of Wednesday morning.
As per a brief update shared with Evening Standard, the Met stated:
“Enquiries are ongoing to establish the full circumstances of the incident. There have been no arrests.”
Officers from the Met’s Roads and Transport Policing Command are understood to be leading the investigation.
Witnesses have been encouraged to come forward, particularly anyone who may have dashcam footage of the moments leading up to the crash.
What is the current condition of the man hurt in the collision?
The man involved in the crash was treated on-site before being taken to a major trauma centre by ambulance. According to MyLondon, medical staff assessed his injuries but specifics about his condition have not been made public.
The LAS did not disclose further details citing patient confidentiality but confirmed that only one person required hospital treatment. There have been no reports of fatalities.
London’s Air Ambulance, which specialises in treating the city’s most critically injured patients, confirmed to ITV News London that its advanced trauma team responded from its base at The Royal London Hospital in Whitechapel.
How have local residents and commuters reacted?
Residents living near Bow Roundabout expressed concern on local community groups and online forums after hearing the sound of emergency sirens late on Tuesday night. Many commended the swift response by first responders.
As reported by East London Advertiser, one local witness said,
“There were flashing lights everywhere — it was clear something serious had happened. Emergency crews were here within minutes.”
Commuters have also raised concerns about the ongoing dangers of the A12 stretch near Bow Roundabout, which has been the site of previous collisions.
Is the A12 Bow Roundabout known for accidents?
Yes, Bow Roundabout has long been recognised as one of east London’s busiest and most complex junctions. The Transport for London (TfL) network regards the area as a collision hotspot, particularly during late-night and rush-hour traffic.
Over the past several years, calls have grown for enhanced safety measures, such as better lighting, improved road markings, and speed regulation. According to TfL’s Road Danger Reduction Programme, the A12 corridor between Hackney Wick and Bow Roundabout recorded dozens of collisions involving vehicles, cyclists, and pedestrians between 2020 and 2024.
Road safety campaigners have urged renewed attention to safety improvements in wake of recurring incidents in this area.
What happens next?
Police investigations are continuing to determine how the crash unfolded. Authorities are analysing CCTV footage and collecting witness statements from the scene.
The Metropolitan Police have advised anyone with relevant information to contact 101 quoting CAD 7587/30 Dec, or to get in touch anonymously via Crimestoppers.
Traffic in the area has since returned to normal, but drivers are urged to remain cautious when travelling near major junctions such as Bow Roundabout, especially during night hours or adverse weather conditions.
As more details emerge, updates will be provided by official sources including the Metropolitan Police, London Ambulance Service, and Transport for London.
