The 21 people killed in horror crashes on Essex roads this year
Every year we sadly see a number of deaths on our roads, and Essex is tragically no exception. There can be a variety of different causes, but we often find ourselves reporting on a fatal crash on one of our roads every month.
In 2023, there have been a number of large crashes in Essex which have resulted in serious injuries or even people losing their lives. The roads can be a dangerous place, and it is vital that rules and regulations are respected, as they’re there to save lives.
We’re now almost seven full months in 2023, and here at EssexLive we have done a round-up of the fatal crashes on our roads so far. We have counted at least 21 tragic deaths on our roads this year. Some of these victims have been named, with tributes paid for them, while others have not.
Below are all the details that have been released about each crash – our thoughts remain with the victims’ families and loved ones.
South Woodford – January 7
Emergency services were called to a road collision from 10.05 am on High Road, South Woodford following reports of a car crashing into a building.
London Metropolitan Police and London Ambulance Service dealt with the incident[2] where three police cars, two ambulance crews, an advanced paramedic, an incident response officer, and a medic were all called to the scene. London Air Ambulance was also dispatched to the scene as motorists are being advised to avoid the area.
Cordons were set up within this perimeter, which includes a cordon closing off the Sainsbury’s alleyway link onto High Road. High Road was partially closed in both directions as police carry out an investigation into the crash. The Met Police later stated they did not believe any other vehicle was involved.
Chingford – January 26
Emergency services were called to the A110 Lea Valley Road in Chingford shortly after 10pm. They attended the scene, where a car had caught fire near to the junction with Sewardstone Road. One female occupant of the car was sadly pronounced dead.
The Metropolitan Police Service confirmed at the time that enquiries are ongoing to identify the woman and to inform her next of kin. The woman has not been named.
Woman killed on M11 hard shoulder – January 30
Michelle Nelson was travelling on the M11 before feeling unwell and pulling onto the hard shoulder, Essex Coroner’s Court heard in February.
Ms Nelson, 51, was involved in the crash on January 30 this year near junction 7B of the motorway while she was stationary and another vehicle hit her from behind, the inquest heard. Emergency services attended the scene[3] but Ms Nelson tragically died from her injuries.
The inquest into Ms Nelson’s death opened in February and was adjourned until the end of the police investigation, which is still ongoing. Two other people were also seriously injured in the crash.
Ilford – February 22
The incident happened on South Park Drive where emergency services were called at 9.38 pm after receiving reports of an injured moped rider, a 23-year-old man.
London Ambulance Service, London Metropolitan Police, and London Air Ambulance confirmed they attended. The man was treated at the scene[4] but was pronounced dead. Police notified the next of kin and following investigations, they concluded that no other vehicle had been involved in the crash.
Lorry crashes into homes – Purfleet, March 10
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The incident happened on London Road where emergency services were called from 3.25pm following reports of a crash where the lorry collided with several properties along the road[5].
Essex Police, East of England Ambulance Service (EEAST), Essex County Fire and Rescue (ECFRS), and Essex and Herts Air Ambulance were called to Jarrah Cottages to deal with the serious crash. A man in his 50s sadly died at the scene despite the best efforts of paramedics and the public.
The man, who has not been named, was the only person injured in the crash. Essex Police confirmed at the time that a file was being prepared for the coroner.
Great Wakering – March 17
Emergency services were called to the incident in Rebels Lane in Great Wakering near Southend and the road was closed for a long period of time. Garry Seaton, 64, was struck by a vehicle in the road[6] and tragically passed away at the scene.
In April, the inquest in Mr Seaton’s death was opened at Essex Coroner’s Court where it was then adjourned for at least six months while the police investigation continues. The force continues to investigate the death, and no arrests have been made so far.
Pensioner hit by car – Epping, March 12
The incident happened on Poplar Row where emergency services were called just after 10.15pm following reports of the collision involving a Smart car and a pedestrian.
Essex Police and East of England Ambulance Service attended the scene. The male pedestrian, a man in his 80s, was treated but tragically was declared dead.
The 20-year-old male driver was arrested on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving.[7] Police launched an investigation to look into the circumstances in more depth. That investigation is still ongoing, and the man has not been named.
Two killed in head-on crash – A414, March 25
An incident support unit near the scene of the crash on the A414 (Image: Matt Lee/Essex Live)
Taylor Knox and Charlie Arrowsmith were driving on the A414 Ongar Road towards Writtle on March 25, when they collided head on with another car travelling in the other direction. Police and paramedics rushed to the crash, but they both sadly passed away[8].
The inquest into the duo’s deaths was opened in April. The provisional cause of death for Charlie was given to be multiple traumatic injuries, while for Taylor it was given as “road traffic collision”.
The A414 was closed overnight as a result of the crash. No arrests have been made and the police investigation is ongoing.
Woman killed in lorry crash – Rainham, April 19
Essex fire and rescue on the scene in Rainham (Image: Arike Idris)
The incident happened on New Road, at the junction with Wennington Road, where emergency services were called at around 8.31 am.
The crash involved a car and lorry and the female driver of the car[9] sadly died at the scene. The Metropolitan Police Service worked to contact the next of kin. No arrests have been made and the woman has not been named.
Motorcyclist is killed – Saffron Walden, April 22
Officers were called to a serious collision involving two vehicles in Thaxted Road in Saffron Walden, shortly before 4pm on April 22. Essex Police were supported by colleagues from the East of England Ambulance Service Trust.
A road closure was put in place[10] whilst the incident was being dealt with. The motorcyclist, a man aged in his 40s, sustained serious injuries and very sadly died at the scene. No arrests have been made and the man has not been named.
Grandfather dies in crash – Witham, May 15
John Wiseman died in a crash in Witham (Image: Essex Police/Family Handout)
John Wiseman, 71, was riding his bicycle in Bronte Road[11], near the junction with Cressing Road, Witham shortly before 5pm on 15 May. A man arrested in connection to the fatal crash has now been released – with police now appealing for further information from the public.
Mr Wiseman’s family are being supported by specialist officers. Essex Police are still appealing for witnesses of the crash. Anyone with information should call 101 and quote incident 925 of 15 May.
Pedestrian killed by lorry – M25, June 11
The crash happened shortly after 11pm near Brentwood and caused part of the motorway to be closed for some time, only reopening at 6am the following morning.
Police were first called to the scene on a bridge[12] over the motorway following concerns for the safety of a woman. On Monday afternoon they confirmed a pedestrian had been pronounced dead at the scene following a collision.
No arrests have been made and the police continue to investigate the circumstances of the crash. The woman has not been named.
Man dies in roundabout crash – Colchester, June 9
The ambulance service said they were called at 9.45am on Friday, June 9 to a crash on the Greenstead roundabout in Colchester. The ambulance service sent three ambulances, a rapid response vehicle, and an ambulance officer vehicle to the scene.
The Essex and Herts Air Ambulance was also dispatched and landed close by. The ambulance service confirmed an adult man died at the scene[13], and it was believed he had a medical episode while driving. The man has not been named and police have made no arrests.
Death after crash with lorry at supermarket depot – Waltham Abbey, June 10
Essex Police were alerted to a serious crash on Dowding Road near Sainsbury’s Waltham Point depot shortly after 4pm. Emergency services rushed to the scene, as well as the air ambulance.
When they arrived, they found that the car, a white Toyota Yaris, was in collision with a Sainsbury’s lorry. However, despite the best efforts of paramedics and the air ambulance team, the driver of the car was declared dead at the scene.
Dowding Road was closed for approximately eight hours[14] while emergency services managed the scene. the victim has not been named.
Man killed after van crashes into tree – A12, June 15
Tom Clark died on the A12 at Mountnessing (Image: Essex Police/Family Handout)
Tom Clark, 26, from Saffron Walden, was killed when the vehicle he was travelling in left the carriageway of the A12 near Mountnessing and crashed into some trees. Tragically despite the best efforts of the emergency services, Mr Clark died from his injuries.
Essex Coroner’s Court later heard during his inquest opening that Mr Clark had been the passenger of the vehicle and he had suffered severe head and chest injuries. Two people were arrested in connection to his death and the police investigation is ongoing.[15]
In a tribute, Mr Clark’s family said: “Tom was a joyful and adventurous young man with a huge heart and an immeasurable zest for life. The generosity and kindness he extended to everyone he met is evident from the hundreds of personal tributes from around the world posted on social media since his death.
“He reached out to people and showed them friendship and support when everyone else had turned their backs and will always be remembered for his huge hugs and infectious giggle.”
Van driver killed in crash with lorries – A13, June 26
A van was involved in a serious collision with three lorries on the A13 near Lakeside Shopping Centre (Image: Submitted)
Adrian Both, 34, from Milton Keynes, was killed as he drove along the A13 in Thurrock on June 26 this year. Emergency services were called out to the crash at around 1.40pm near Grays which involved three lorries and a van.
Tragically despite the best efforts of attending paramedics, Mr Both died from his injuries. The road was closed for around eight hours after the crash which also saw fuel spill out onto the road, requiring a large clean-up operation.
The inquest into Mr Both’s death was opened at Essex Coroner’s Court on July 11[16], where a provisional cause of death was given as compression of the chest.
Essex Police continue to appeal for anyone who witnessed the crash to come forward. A spokesman said: “We are appealing to anyone who may have witnessed this collision or have any further information to get in contact.”
Please quote incident 747 of 26 June when providing any information to make sure it gets to the right person as quickly as possible.
Teenage girl killed as car strikes barriers – A13, July 1
Ellie Jo Evers (right) and tributes, balloons, flowers and candles left for her at Pitsea Flyover (Image: (left Essex Live, right family handout via Essex Police))
Police were called to the Pitsea flyover shortly before 2.30pm[17] on Saturday following reports of a serious crash involving one vehicle. A passenger of the car, an 18-year-old woman, sadly died at the scene and has since been named as Ellie Jo Evers, from Benfleet.
The inquest opening into her death earlier in July heard that Ellie had suffered severe head injuries, while further examinations were still being carried out. Four other people were also injured in the crash.
Heart-breaking tributes were left to Ellie close to the scene of the collision[18] in the days after the accident. One said: “You was the best person in my life. You brought the sun to me when my day was cloudy, you was the light at the end of my tunnel. Words can’t describe how much I miss you. I miss your laugh, your smile, your liveliness.”
Anyone with information relating to the collision is encouraged to contact Essex Police, quoting incident 781 of July 1.
Young mum struck by vehicle – Harlow, July 2
Hollie Hodgkinson, 23, sadly died following a car crash in Harlow (Image: GoFundMe/Family Handout)
23-year-old mum Hollie Hodgkinson was killed after being struck by a car in Harlow on July 2. Hollie was a pedestrian walking along First Avenue in the town when she was hit by a car at 10.30am.
Ambulances attended the scene near St Mary at Latten Church and Hollie was taken to hospital, but tragically she died two days later[19] on July 4. Essex Police said the driver of the car stopped at the scene and officers are continuing to investigate the events leading up to the crash and are still appealing for witnesses.
Paying tribute[20], her sister Mikki Stimpson said: “She was only young and had so much more life to live yet but it was cut short. We as a family are absolutely devastated … everyone that knew Hollie would know just how many hearts she touched, how lovely and smiley she could be.
Visit essex.police.uk or call 101 quoting incident 458 of 2 July when providing any information to make sure it gets to the right person as quickly as possible.
Man killed after vehicle leaves road – A13, July 20
Police at the scene of the fatal crash on the A13 in Orsett on July 20 (Image: @MazelTovUK)
Essex Police and other emergency services were scrambled to the road near the Orsett Cock junction in Thurrock on July 20.
The police received reports that a grey Suzuki Swift had left the road on the London-bound carriageway just past Orsett Cock at 8.25pm. Sadly, the driver the car – a man in his 30s – was pronounced dead at the scene.
A passenger in the car, who is also a man in his 30s, was taken to hospital with injuries which have been described as life-threatening. The road was closed while officers investigated and was re-opened at 2.15am on July 21.
The man has not been named, but police are still appealing for witnesses. Call 101 quoting incident 1462 of 20 July.
Steeple – July 23
Emergency services were called out to Foxhall Road in Steeple in the Dengie on Sunday evening (July 23) at around 4.30pm following a single-vehicle crash. Sadly, the driver of the car, a man 30s, from St Lawrence died at the scene despite the best efforts of paramedics.
A second man, a passenger in the silver BMW, remains in hospital with serious injuries. The road was closed whilst officers carried out investigative enquiries and it was reopened after 10.30pm.
A spokesman for Essex Police: “We continue to investigate the circumstances around the collision and we’re appealing for witnesses and anyone with dashcam footage of the incident or the moments leading up to it to get in touch.
“You can let us know by submitting a report on our website or by using our online Live Chat service available Monday to Friday (excluding public holidays) between 10am-9pm. Visit www.essex.police.uk/digital101 to find out more about our website reporting services.
“Alternatively, you can call us on 101. Please cite incident 880 of 23 July.”
References
- ^ Vandals target Essex road signs supporting Ukraine’s resistance against Russia (www.essexlive.news)
- ^ London Ambulance Service dealt with the incident (www.essexlive.news)
- ^ Emergency services attended the scene (www.essexlive.news)
- ^ The man was treated at the scene (www.essexlive.news)
- ^ collided with several properties along the road (www.essexlive.news)
- ^ was struck by a vehicle in the road (www.essexlive.news)
- ^ arrested on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving. (www.essexlive.news)
- ^ but they both sadly passed away (www.essexlive.news)
- ^ a car and lorry and the female driver of the car (www.essexlive.news)
- ^ A road closure was put in place (www.essexlive.news)
- ^ was riding his bicycle in Bronte Road (www.essexlive.news)
- ^ Police were first called to the scene on a bridge (www.essexlive.news)
- ^ The ambulance service confirmed an adult man died at the scene (www.essexlive.news)
- ^ Dowding Road was closed for approximately eight hours (www.essexlive.news)
- ^ Two people were arrested in connection to his death and the police investigation is ongoing. (www.essexlive.news)
- ^ was opened at Essex Coroner’s Court on July 11 (www.essexlive.news)
- ^ Pitsea flyover shortly before 2.30pm (www.essexlive.news)
- ^ tributes were left to Ellie close to the scene of the collision (www.essexlive.news)
- ^ she died two days later (www.essexlive.news)
- ^ Paying tribute (www.essexlive.news)