Key Points
- A significant multi-vehicle crash occurred on the A13 between Rainham and Dagenham, leading to the road’s closure and major traffic disruptions.
- A car made a sudden and illegal manoeuvre, turning across fast-moving traffic, causing a collision involving several vehicles.
- Emergency services including police, fire crews, and London Ambulance Service responded quickly, attending to injured parties and managing the scene.
- Several people suffered minor to moderate injuries; two were taken to hospital, but no fatalities were reported in this incident.
- The Metropolitan Police are actively investigating, reviewing dashcam footage and witness statements to determine liability and potential charges.
- Local officials called for improved safety measures on the A13, citing concerns about recurring accidents on this busy thoroughfare.
- Traffic delays lasted nearly two hours, with diversions causing significant disruption to local residents and commuters.
What happened on the A13 near Rainham and Dagenham?
As reported by Jane Wilson of BBC News, the incident unfolded just after 6 p.m. when a car travelling eastbound on the A13 attempted a sudden, dangerous turn across fast-moving traffic. This illegal manoeuvre directly caused a multi-vehicle collision involving cars travelling in both directions. A video provided to ITV News by a passing driver shows the car signalling left before abruptly veering right into the path of two oncoming vehicles. The impact scattered debris over both carriageways, halting traffic for almost two hours and prompting emergency interventions.​
How did emergency services respond to the crash?
Chief Inspector Mark Davies of the Metropolitan Police, as detailed by Simon McClean of The Guardian, confirmed that emergency services received calls within minutes of the crash. Police and fire crews arrived at the scene in under ten minutes to secure the area and divert traffic safely. The London Ambulance Service deployed three ambulances and a rapid response vehicle. Two individuals with moderate injuries were taken to Newham General Hospital for specialized care while others were treated onsite. The response teams worked efficiently to prevent further injury and clear the scene as quickly as possible.​
What are the police and local officials saying about the incident?
Chief Inspector Davies, quoted by Alex Harper of The Evening Standard, stated,
“Based on preliminary investigations and video evidence, it appears a vehicle engaged in an illegal and highly dangerous manoeuvre that ultimately caused the collision. We urge all drivers to exercise caution and remain vigilant, particularly on major roads like the A13.”
Councillor Rachel Ford of Dagenham described the crash as “deeply alarming” and emphasised the urgent need for enhanced safety measures on the A13. She added,
“Too many families have experienced disruption or tragedy because of reckless driving.”
This crash has reignited calls from residents and officials to review and upgrade road safety infrastructure.​
What are eyewitness and local residents reporting?
An eyewitness, who captured footage of the crash and shared it with ITV News, said,
“I saw the car put its indicator on, but then it suddenly swerved into the other lane. The cars behind had no chance to stop. It was pure luck nobody was killed.”
Commuters caught in the resulting traffic delays took to social media expressing frustration, with some reporting jams lasting up to two hours and severe congestion on alternative local routes used as diversions. The local community raised concerns about frequent accidents in this area and the impact on local travel and safety.​
What is the current status of the investigation?
Samir Dutta of The Times reports that the Metropolitan Police forensic team is thoroughly examining video evidence and collecting detailed witness statements. Chief Inspector Davies highlighted that all available evidence will be used to assess liability and consider possible criminal charges against the driver responsible. Authorities are appealing to the public for any additional dashcam footage or information that might assist the investigation. The Road Traffic Investigation Unit has been tasked with coordinating this effort to ensure a thorough inquiry.​
Were there any fatalities or serious injuries in the crash?
According to Dr Emily Wright, Medical Director at the London Ambulance Service, no fatalities were reported.
“Several individuals suffered minor to moderate injuries, with prompt treatment given at the scene and two patients transported for further care as a precaution,”
Dr Wright confirmed. This reassurance comes amid heightened concerns following a fatal multi-vehicle collision on the A13 in Rainham in July 2024, where three people lost their lives during severe weather conditions. However, for this December 2025 incident, thankfully, all injured parties are expected to recover.
