Two teenagers have died following a devastating multi-vehicle collision on the A13 in Newham, East London, as detectives continue investigating the circumstances surrounding the fatal crash.
Emergency services were called to the eastbound carriageway of the A13 at around 8:15pm on Thursday evening after reports of a serious collision involving multiple vehicles. Despite the efforts of first responders, two young men aged 18 and 19 were pronounced dead at the scene. Their families have been informed and are being supported by specially trained officers.
Three other people were taken to hospital following the collision. Among them is a 16-year-old boy, who remains in a critical condition with life-threatening injuries. Two additional casualties also received hospital treatment as emergency crews responded to the incident.
The Metropolitan Police have confirmed that three men, aged 18, 19 and 23, have been arrested on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving and failing to stop after the collision. All three remain in police custody while officers from the Met’s Serious Collision Investigation Unit continue their inquiries.
The crash prompted a major emergency response, with police, firefighters and London Ambulance Service crews attending the scene. Sections of the busy A13 were closed for several hours while investigators examined the roadway and gathered evidence.
Videos shared on social media appeared to show the dramatic aftermath of the collision, including one vehicle engulfed in flames and another badly damaged nearby. However, police have urged members of the public not to circulate the footage out of respect for the victims and their families. Instead, investigators are asking anyone with relevant recordings to provide them directly to officers.
Detective Chief Inspector James Beck, who is leading the investigation, expressed condolences to the victims’ families and appealed for witnesses to come forward.
He said officers are particularly interested in speaking to motorists who may have been travelling along the A13 at the time of the collision and who could possess dashcam footage. Investigators believe even small pieces of information may help establish exactly what happened in the moments leading up to the crash.
Road traffic investigators continue to examine the vehicles involved while reviewing CCTV footage from surrounding roads. Detectives are also working to determine the sequence of events that led to the fatal collision.
The incident has shocked the local community, with many expressing sympathy for the families affected by the tragedy. The A13 is one of East London’s busiest transport routes, carrying thousands of vehicles every day, and serious collisions on the road often cause significant disruption alongside lengthy police investigations.
Police have reminded drivers of the legal obligation to stop after any road traffic collision. Failing to remain at the scene, particularly when serious injuries or fatalities occur, is considered a serious criminal offence and can lead to severe penalties if proven in court.
As investigations continue, the Metropolitan Police are urging anyone who witnessed the collision or captured dashcam footage to contact officers by calling 101, quoting the incident reference provided by police. Information can also be shared anonymously through Crimestoppers.
