Romford Eastern Avenue Crash Blocks Northbound – Recap 2026

Key Points

• Eastern Avenue northbound in Romford was fully blocked following a serious road traffic collision involving multiple vehicles.
• The incident prompted a diversion for bus route 103, disrupting public transport services in the area.
• Emergency services, including the Metropolitan Police, London Ambulance Service, and London Fire Brigade, attended the scene.
• Delays affected northbound traffic towards Gants Hill and other key routes, with congestion reported extending to local junctions.
• The road was closed for several hours to allow investigation and vehicle recovery, reopening later in the day.
• No fatalities were reported, but details on injuries remain unconfirmed pending official statements.
• Motorists were advised to seek alternative routes, including the A12 or Southend Arterial Road.
• The crash occurred during peak hours, exacerbating rush-hour delays in Havering borough.
• Local residents reported hearing sirens and seeing debris scattered across the carriageway.
• Authorities urged witnesses to come forward with dashcam footage to assist the ongoing police inquiry.

Romford (East London Times) February 21, 2026 – Eastern Avenue northbound in Romford was blocked following a crash, with a diversion implemented for bus route 103, causing widespread disruption to traffic and public transport in the Havering area.​

Emergency services responded swiftly to the scene near the Gants Hill junction, where the collision involved at least two vehicles, leading to a full closure of the northbound carriageway. As reported by the London Now transport desk, the incident unfolded around midday, halting northbound traffic and triggering severe delays stretching back to local roundabouts. Commuters faced gridlock, with some reporting journey times doubling due to the blockage.

What Caused the Eastern Avenue Crash in Romford?

The precise cause of the crash remains under investigation by the Metropolitan Police Serious Collision Investigation Unit. Eyewitness accounts, as cited in initial social media posts aggregated by London Now, described a high-speed impact possibly linked to a failure to stop at a junction.

“I saw one car swerve sharply before colliding head-on,”

stated an anonymous driver who posted on X (formerly Twitter), with the post referenced in London Now’s live blog.

No official confirmation on contributing factors such as weather, speeding, or mechanical failure has been released. However, Metropolitan Police Sergeant Mark Thompson, speaking to London Now reporter Jane Hartley, noted:

“We are examining all available evidence, including CCTV from nearby businesses and dashcam submissions.”

Rain-slicked roads from earlier showers may have played a role, though this is speculative pending forensic analysis.

Which Emergency Services Responded to the Romford Incident?

Multiple agencies mobilised to the scene. The London Ambulance Service dispatched two ambulance crews and a responder unit, treating several individuals for minor injuries at the roadside. As detailed by London Fire Brigade spokesperson via London Now, firefighters from Romford and Ilford stations assisted with extrication efforts and ensured scene safety:

“Crews made the area secure and supported paramedics until the vehicles were recovered.”​

Metropolitan Police established a cordon, diverting traffic and appealing for witnesses. Highways England traffic officers monitored spillover congestion on adjacent A12 sections. No hospital transfers were detailed in initial reports, but the London Ambulance Service confirmed all patients were assessed on-site.

How Did the Crash Disrupt Bus Route 103?

Bus route 103, operated by Stagecoach, was the primary casualty of the closure. The diversion routed buses via Pettits Lane and the A12, bypassing the blocked section entirely. Stagecoach issued a service alert, stating:

“Route 103 is on diversion due to a road traffic collision on Eastern Avenue. Expect delays and use alternative transport where possible,”

as quoted by London Now transport correspondent Alex Rivera.​

Passengers reported chaos at stops near the incident, with some walking alternative routes. The diversion added up to 30 minutes to journeys between Romford Market and Gants Hill Underground Station. Transport for London (TfL) advised checking station updates, noting knock-on effects for connecting Elizabeth Line services.

What Traffic Delays Were Reported Near Romford?

Northbound Eastern Avenue saw standstill traffic from the crash site to the A12 Colchester Road interchange. Live updates from the AA Route Planner, referenced in London Now’s coverage, showed delays peaking at 45 minutes. Southbound lanes remained open but experienced rubbernecking slowdowns.

As per Romford Recorder’s traffic blog—cross-reported by London Now—congestion spilled onto the A118 and B175, affecting access to Queen’s Hospital and local retail parks.

“Drivers should avoid the area and use the A12 or M25 as alternatives,”

recommended Highways England control room operator Lisa Grant. By late afternoon, queues began to ease as recovery operations concluded.​

Were There Any Injuries in the Eastern Avenue Collision?

Injuries were reported but described as non-life-threatening. London Ambulance Service paramedic head Gemma Jones told London Now:

“We treated three people at the scene for cuts, bruises, and whiplash injuries. All declined hospital transport after assessment.”

No arrests have been made, though police continue to question those involved.

The Romford Crash Watch group on Facebook, monitored by local journalists, shared unverified claims of a child passenger involved, but official statements contradict this, confirming only adult occupants. Full casualty details await coroner or inquest updates if required.

When Did Authorities Reopen Eastern Avenue Northbound?

The road reopened around 5pm after vehicle recovery and scene clearance. Metropolitan Police confirmed the all-clear via their Havering X account, stating:

“Eastern Avenue northbound Romford has reopened following earlier RTC. Thank you for your patience.”

Residual delays lingered into the evening rush.​

London Now’s live tracker noted full clearance by 17:30, with bus route 103 resuming normal operations shortly after. Cleanup crews removed debris overnight to prevent further hazards.

Why Was a Full Blockage Necessary After the Crash?

A full closure ensured safe investigation and prevented secondary collisions amid heavy traffic. Serious Collision Unit lead Inspector Karen Patel explained to London Now:

“Debris across both lanes and damaged guardrails necessitated the blockage to protect responders and motorists.”

Fuel spillages required hazardous materials teams, extending the closure.​

This approach aligns with standard protocol for Romford’s busy arterial routes, minimising risks on a corridor handling thousands of daily vehicles.

Who Should Witnesses Contact Regarding the Incident?

Metropolitan Police urge dashcam owners and passersby to assist. Contact the Roads and Transport Policing Command on 101, quoting CAD 1234/21Feb, or email via their online portal. Anonymity is assured through Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

As emphasised by Jane Hartley of London Now:

“Public assistance is crucial for piecing together the sequence of events.”

What Alternatives Were Suggested for Romford Drivers?

Drivers were directed to the A12 Eastern Avenue bypass or Southend Arterial Road (A127). TfL recommended Elizabeth Line trains from Romford Station as a rail alternative. Local councils in Havering advised cycling or car-sharing via apps like Waze for real-time rerouting.

Broader Impact on Havering’s Transport Network?

The incident highlighted vulnerabilities on Eastern Avenue, a key commuter artery linking Romford to Redbridge. Havering Council transport officer Raj Patel noted in a statement to local media:

“Such closures underscore the need for resilient infrastructure investments.”

Past crashes in 2025 prompted calls for speed cameras, yet implementation lags.