Tragedy struck the A13 near Dagenham in the early hours of 2 March 2024 after a white van travelling on the wrong side of the road failed to stop for Essex Police at around 2.30am. The van, which was fleeing police, collided with a black car.
A female passenger in the black car died at the scene, while two other occupants were rushed to hospital for treatment.
Essex Police officers spotted the white van driving the wrong way along the A13 near Rainham and requested it to stop. When the van ignored the officers, a pursuit ensued. The van then smashed into the black car, fatally injuring the female passenger inside.
“Despite the best efforts of officers and medics at the scene, a female passenger in the second vehicle has now died,” said Chief Superintendent Stuart Hooper, Essex Police gold commander.
Officers from the Metropolitan Police are now leading the investigation, working alongside Essex Police. The Independent Office of Police Conduct (IOPC) has also launched its own probe into the incident.
An ambulance spokesperson from London Ambulance Service revealed they were called at 2.35am to Gale Street, Dagenham, sending multiple crews including paramedics and hazardous area response teams.
“We treated three people at the scene. Unfortunately, despite our crews’ efforts, a woman was pronounced dead,” the spokesperson said. “Two others were taken to a major trauma centre as a priority.”
The IOPC confirmed it is investigating the fatal crash, noting the van travelled on the wrong side of the dual carriageway before the collision. Investigators are on site and have taken statements from the involved officers.
“At this early stage, our investigation remains ongoing,” said an IOPC spokesperson. “We were notified shortly after 4.20am and will thoroughly examine the circumstances surrounding this fatal police pursuit.”
Police continue to urge witnesses or anyone with dashcam footage to come forward as the investigation into this deadly police chase unfolds.
Originally published by UKNIP.
