BY SCM REPORTER I 26 June 2026
A HORRIFIC multi-vehicle smash on a major East London highway has left two teenagers dead and a 16-year-old boy fighting for his life in hospital.
Emergency services rushed to the scene on the eastbound carriageway of the busy A13 in Newham at around 8:15 PM last night (Thursday, 25 June) following reports of a catastrophic pile-up.
Paramedics, police, and firefighters battled to save the victims, but despite the desperate, heroic efforts of first responders, two young men—aged just 18 and 19—were tragically pronounced dead at the roadside.
The Metropolitan Police confirmed that the next-of-kin of both young men have been informed of the heartbreaking news. The grieving families are currently being supported by specially trained family liaison officers as they come to terms with the devastating loss.
The scene on the A13 was described by witnesses as total carnage, with debris strewn across the tarmac and multiple vehicles severely mangled from the force of the impact.
Three other people were pulled from the wreckage by the London Ambulance Service and rushed to a nearby hospital under emergency blue lights.
Among those currently fighting for survival in the intensive care unit is a 16-year-old boy. Doctors have confirmed that the schoolboy remains in a critical condition with life-threatening injuries. The conditions of the other two hospitalised victims have not yet been fully disclosed as medical staff continue their urgent treatment.
Detectives from the Met’s Serious Collision Investigation Unit have launched a massive probe into the circumstances leading up to the fatal crash.
Police revealed they have arrested three men—aged 18, 19, and 23—on suspicion of:
Causing death by dangerous driving
Failing to stop at the scene of a collision
The trio remain in police custody today where they are being grilled by detectives.
Sickening Social Media Videos
As police launched their investigation, it emerged that ghastly videos showing the immediate, gory aftermath of the collision were already circulating on social media platforms like TikTok and X (formerly Twitter).
Senior officers have condemned the sharing of the footage, branding it deeply disrespectful to the families who have just lost their children.
Detective Chief Inspector James Beck, leading the investigation for the Met’s Serious Collision Investigation Unit, made a heartfelt plea to the public. He said:
“Our thoughts remain with the victim’s loved ones following this tragic incident. As we work to build a picture of the circumstances, we are keen to hear from any witnesses to the collision – particularly those with dashcam footage.
“We are aware of videos circulating on social media which appear to show the aftermath of the collision. We remind people to be respectful of the impact of this footage and encourage people not to share and instead contact police directly if they have information.”
The A13 eastbound was closed for several hours overnight into Friday morning as forensic collision investigators combed the scene for vital clues, causing massive tailbacks across East London.
Detectives are now desperately appealing for anyone who was driving along the A13 in Newham at around 8:15 PM last night to come forward. They are particularly anxious to speak to anyone who may have captured the driving behavior of the vehicles involved prior to the crash on their dashcams.
CAN YOU HELP? Anyone with information, mobile phone footage, or dashcam clips is urged to call the police immediately on 101, quoting reference 01/7736458/26. Alternatively, you can give information 100% anonymously by calling Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.