Two men die after fatal A13 crash in Newham, police say
Two men aged 18 and 19 died in a multi-vehicle A13 crash on the eastbound carriageway in Newham on Thursday 25 June at about 8:15pm. A 16-year-old boy and two others were hospitalised with life-threatening injuries among the survivors. Police arrested three men, aged 18, 19 and 23, on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving and failing to stop. Investigators are appealing for witnesses and dashcam footage as the Serious Collision Investigation Unit builds a timeline of events on one of east London's busiest roads.
Key Takeaways
- Two men, aged 18 and 19, were pronounced dead at the scene of the A13 crash in Newham on the evening of 25 June.
- Three people were hospitalised, including a 16-year-old boy with life-threatening injuries; the victims have not been named publicly.
- Police arrested three men, aged 18, 19 and 23, on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving and failing to stop.
- The collision happened on the eastbound carriageway near Newham Way, Plaistow, involving multiple vehicles.
- Witnesses with dashcam or mobile footage are urged to contact police on 101, quoting reference 01/7736458/26.
What happened in the A13 crash in Newham?
Emergency services were called to a serious collision on one of east London's busiest arterial routes shortly after 8:15pm on Thursday 25 June. The Metropolitan Police said officers responded alongside ambulance crews to reports of a multi-vehicle crash on the eastbound A13 in Newham.
According to My London, the incident took place on the eastbound carriageway of Newham Way in Plaistow. Despite the efforts of first responders at the scene, two men — one aged 18 and one aged 19 — were pronounced dead. Their next-of-kin have been informed and are being supported by specialist officers.
Three other people were taken to hospital by the London Ambulance Service. Among them is a 16-year-old boy who police said remained in hospital with life-threatening injuries. The force has not released the names of those involved.
The scale of the collision has drawn significant public attention across London and beyond. Videos appearing to show the aftermath have circulated on social media, prompting a direct appeal from investigators for restraint.
Who has been arrested after the Newham A13 collision?
Within hours of the A13 crash, detectives made three arrests connected to the incident. The Metropolitan Police said three men — aged 18, 19 and 23 — were detained on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving and failing to stop.
All three remained in police custody as enquiries continued under the Met's Serious Collision Investigation Unit. No further details about the arrested men or their relationship to the vehicles involved have been released at this stage.
Causing death by dangerous driving is among the most serious road traffic offences under UK law. A conviction can carry a lengthy prison sentence, an extended driving ban, and the requirement to retake a driving test. The separate offence of failing to stop after an accident also carries significant penalties, reflecting Parliament's view that drivers must remain at the scene when people are hurt.
Police have stressed that the investigation is active and that today's arrests do not mark the end of their work. Detectives are still piecing together how the collision unfolded and whether any additional offences may apply.
How can witnesses help the police investigation?
Detective Chief Inspector James Beck, who leads the Met's Serious Collision Investigation Unit on this case, said the force's thoughts remain with the victims' loved ones. He urged anyone who saw the collision — or who holds dashcam footage from the area — to come forward without delay.
DCI Beck also addressed the spread of graphic material online. "We are aware of videos circulating on social media which appear to show the aftermath of the collision," he said. "We remind people to be respectful of the impact of this footage and encourage people not share and instead contact police directly if they have information."
Anyone with information or footage is asked to call police on 101, quoting reference 01/7736458/26. Reports can also be made anonymously through Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111. For full official details, see the Metropolitan Police statement published on 26 June.
Modern dashcams and phone cameras have become one of the most valuable tools in road collision investigations. Footage captured by passing motorists often provides timestamps, vehicle registration numbers, and sequence-of-events detail that witness memory alone cannot reliably supply. If you regularly drive major routes such as the A13, maintaining a working dashcam is a practical step that can protect you legally and financially — a theme we explore across our Wealth Hacks & Passive Income coverage.
Why does the A13 crash matter for London drivers?
The A13 is a critical link between central London, the Docklands, and Essex. Any serious incident on the eastbound carriageway near Newham Way can trigger long diversions, missed appointments, and unexpected costs for commuters and commercial drivers alike. While authorities have not yet published a full reopening schedule in the sources reviewed, major collision scenes on this corridor frequently require extended closures while forensic teams document the scene.
Beyond immediate disruption, fatal crashes on high-speed urban roads raise recurring questions about young drivers, vehicle safety, and the consequences of leaving an accident scene. For families, the human cost is immeasurable. For the wider community, each serious collision is a reminder that split-second decisions behind the wheel can carry permanent consequences.
My London reported that the 16-year-old survivor was still fighting for his life following the crash, while the two teenagers who died had not been publicly identified. That detail underscores how raw the aftermath remains for those closest to the victims — and why police are asking the public to share information with investigators rather than reposting distressing clips.
What should you do if you have information?
If you were on or near the A13 in Newham around 8:15pm on 25 June, investigators want to hear from you even if your account seems minor. Small details — a vehicle changing lanes, an unusual speed, or a car leaving the area — can prove decisive in a case where multiple vehicles were involved.
Save any dashcam or CCTV files rather than overwriting them. Note the exact time and location of anything you observed. Contact the Met on 101 with reference 01/7736458/26, or use Crimestoppers if you prefer to remain anonymous.
This story is developing. Further updates are expected as the Serious Collision Investigation Unit completes its enquiries and any charges are considered.