Tragedy struck just after 2.30am on Friday, 25 November when a van drove the wrong way down the Essex-bound A13 and collided with a black Toyota Prius.
The 39-year-old van driver ignored Essex Police orders to stop before entering the motorway in the wrong direction. The crash resulted in the death of a 21-year-old woman who was a passenger in the Prius. She died at the scene, and her family have been informed.
The van driver was taken to hospital with serious injuries and has been arrested on suspicion of failing to stop for police and causing death by dangerous driving. The driver of the Prius was also taken to hospital but is not believed to have serious injuries.
Detective Sergeant Mike Rapp, leading the investigation, said: “This is a terrible incident that has resulted in the tragic death of a young woman. I am appealing for anyone who was driving on the A13 in the Dagenham area shortly after 2.30am and saw the van driving the wrong way to get in touch.”
He also urged anyone with footage of the crash circulating on social media to consider the feelings of the victim’s family before sharing. Police are seeking any images or videos that could help piece together exactly what happened.
To assist the investigation, members of the public can:
- Call the Serious Collision Investigation Unit on 020 8597 4874
- Ring 101 or tweet @MetCC quoting CAD562/25Nov
- Provide anonymous information to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111
The Independent Office for Police Conduct will also be investigating Essex Police’s involvement prior to the crash.
Originally published by UKNIP.
