Two teenagers have died and three men have been arrested following a suspected hit-and-run crash on the A13 in east London that caused a Volkswagen Golf to burst into flames.
The victims, aged 18 and 19, were pronounced dead at the scene near Newham Way on Thursday night. Their next-of-kin have been notified and are being supported by specialist officers, according to the Metropolitan Police.
Three other individuals, including a 16-year-old boy with life-threatening injuries, were transported to the hospital. As of Friday morning, all three remain hospitalized. The three arrested men, aged 18, 19, and 23, are in custody on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving and failure to stop.
Emergency services, including police, fire crews, and paramedics, responded to reports of a multi-vehicle collision on the eastbound carriageway at approximately 8:15 p.m. Witnesses reported hearing a loud impact followed by the car erupting in flames, producing a large fireball and thick black smoke.
Investigators believe the Volkswagen Golf may have been traveling at high speed prior to the incident. Specialized collision investigators examined the wreckage and the surrounding area throughout the night.
Detective Chief Inspector James Beck of the Met's Serious Collision Investigation Unit appealed for witnesses, particularly those with dashcam footage, to come forward. Police also requested the public refrain from sharing graphic videos of the crash aftermath circulating on social media, urging people to contact the police directly with any information.
London Fire Brigade confirmed that firefighters were dispatched to a vehicle fire following a collision involving one car and street furniture, as well as two other vehicles. The London Ambulance Service stated that paramedics treated five patients at the scene, with three being taken to the hospital.
The collision caused significant traffic disruption on the A13, with the eastbound carriageway closed and long delays reported in both directions.