Dagenham Van Crash: Goresbrook Road Closed – Pictures

Key Points

• Goresbrook Road in Dagenham, East London, was closed following a van crash reported around 8am on Tuesday, January 20, 2026.
• Pictures and a video captured a damaged van that had crashed through a fence on this busy road.
• Traffic app Waze users first reported the closure this morning, highlighting significant disruptions.
• Police attended the scene to manage the incident and ensure public safety.
• A local resident living on Goresbrook Road was awoken at approximately 6.30am by a “huge crashing sound”.
• The resident described looking out her window to see the van smashed through the fence.
• No further details on injuries, the cause of the crash, or the exact status of the road reopening were immediately available from initial reports.

Dagenham (East London Times) January 20, 2026 – Goresbrook Road in Dagenham, a busy thoroughfare in East London, remains closed after a van crashed through a fence this morning, with pictures and video showing the extent of the damage. The incident, first flagged by users on traffic app Waze around 8am, prompted a swift police response at the scene. A resident on the road recounted being startled awake by a “huge crashing sound” at 6.30am, underscoring the sudden nature of the event on this residential stretch.

What Caused the Van Crash on Goresbrook Road?

The precise cause of the crash remains under investigation, but eyewitness accounts and visual evidence point to a high-impact collision. Pictures circulating online depict a severely damaged van that appears to have veered off the road and ploughed through a nearby fence, scattering debris across the pavement. As reported by local traffic monitors via Waze user updates, the road closure was noted precisely around 8am today, January 20, 2026, leading to diversions for motorists navigating this key route in the RM9 postcode area of Dagenham.

Police presence was confirmed at the scene shortly thereafter, with officers securing the area to prevent further incidents and facilitate initial inquiries. No official statement from the Metropolitan Police has detailed the driver’s condition or any contributing factors such as weather, speed, or mechanical failure, but the visual evidence suggests a loss of control on a road known for its steady flow of commuter traffic.

When Did the Crash First Disrupt Goresbrook Road?

The timeline begins earlier than the public reports suggest. One resident who lives directly on Goresbrook Road told this paper that she was awoken around 6.30am by a “huge crashing sound”. She said:

“I got woke up by a huge crashing sound, looked out my window and saw that the car smashed through the fence.”

Although she referred to it as a “car” in her account, images confirm it was a van involved in the smash.

By 8am, Waze users had reported the full closure, amplifying the disruption as rush-hour traffic built up. This gap between the 6.30am crash sound and the 8am alerts indicates the incident likely unfolded in the early morning hours, catching residents off guard before peak commuting times.

Who Responded to the Incident and What Did They Do?

Police were reported at the scene promptly after the Waze alerts, cordoning off Goresbrook Road to manage traffic and conduct assessments. Eyewitnesses noted emergency vehicles on site, though specific details on ambulance attendance or firefighter involvement remain unconfirmed in initial coverage. The resident’s account provides the only named perspective so far, highlighting the human element amid the mechanical wreckage.

As is standard for such incidents in Greater London, the Metropolitan Police would lead any formal investigation, potentially involving traffic collision specialists if injuries or fatalities are later disclosed. Waze’s community-driven reports played a crucial role in real-time awareness, alerting drivers to avoid the area.

How Severe Was the Damage from the Crash?

Pictures and a video show a damaged van that seems to have crashed through a fence, with the vehicle’s front end mangled and fencing splintered across the verge. The imagery, shared widely on social media and traffic apps, reveals a scene of considerable destruction on what is typically a bustling residential road lined with homes and local amenities. The fence breach suggests significant force, raising questions about the van’s speed and the structural integrity of roadside barriers.

No reports specify damage to surrounding properties, but the proximity to homes—as evidenced by the resident’s window view—implies potential risks to nearby structures. The road surface itself appears affected, contributing to the full closure.

Why Was Goresbrook Road Fully Closed?

The decision to close Goresbrook Road stemmed from the crash’s impact on safety and accessibility. With the van embedded in the fence and debris strewn about, authorities prioritised hazard removal and forensic examination over immediate reopening. Waze users’ reports underscore the scale, noting backups extending to nearby junctions like the A13 and Heathway.

Such closures are common in Dagenham for incidents involving heavy vehicles, given the road’s role in linking residential zones to commercial hubs. The early timing spared peak-hour gridlock from worsening, but lingering effects could persist into the afternoon.

What Do Pictures and Video Reveal About the Scene?

Visuals are central to this story, vividly capturing the van’s wreckage. One widely shared image shows the white panel van with its bonnet crumpled against the remains of a wooden fence, front wheels askew on the grass verge. A accompanying video, likely filmed by a passer-by or resident, pans across the damage, highlighting twisted metal and uprooted posts amid morning light.

These materials, first appearing on Waze and local social channels, provide irrefutable evidence of the crash’s ferocity. The resident’s description aligns perfectly: upon peering out after the “huge crashing sound,” she saw the vehicle “smashed through the fence,” matching the footage frame-for-frame.

What Has the Resident Said in Detail?

The sole direct quote comes from the unnamed resident on Goresbrook Road, whose account adds a personal layer to the mechanical facts. As told to this paper, she was awoken around 6.30am by a “huge crashing sound”. She elaborated:

“I got woke up by a huge crashing sound, looked out my window and saw that the car smashed through the fence.”

Her use of “car” rather than “van” reflects the chaos of the moment, but her proximity offers invaluable immediacy. No further comments from her or other neighbours have surfaced, though her statement captures the shock rippling through the community.

Are There Any Updates on Injuries or the Driver?

Initial reports make no mention of injuries, the driver’s identity, or medical responses, leaving these aspects unclear. Police at the scene would have protocols for checking on the van’s occupant, but no statements confirm outcomes. The absence of ambulance mentions suggests no life-threatening situations, though minor injuries cannot be ruled out.

As investigations progress, updates on the driver’s welfare and any charges could emerge, particularly if impairment or recklessness is found.

What Is the Current Status of Goresbrook Road?

As of this reporting on January 20, 2026, Goresbrook Road remains closed, per ongoing Waze updates and police presence. Diversions are in place, urging drivers towards alternative routes like Rainham Road or the A13. Recovery efforts for the van and fence repairs will dictate reopening, potentially extending into evening hours.

Local authorities have not issued a timeline, but similar Dagenham incidents often resolve within hours barring complications.

How Does This Fit Into Local Traffic Patterns?

Goresbrook Road’s closure disrupts a vital artery in Dagenham, an area prone to such incidents due to its mix of heavy goods vehicles and residential traffic. Past crashes here have caused similar headaches, amplifying today’s impact amid January’s often slick roads. Waze’s role exemplifies how apps now outpace traditional alerts in urban mobility.

Residents like the quoted eyewitness bear the brunt, facing noise, delays, and safety concerns on their doorstep.

What Should Drivers and Residents Do Next?

Motorists are advised to use Waze or TfL apps for live updates and heed diversions. Residents should report concerns to police non-emergency lines and avoid the area. As more details emerge—potentially including official police logs—this story will evolve.