Appeal after man dies following multi-vehicle collision on the A12

Detectives are appealing for witnesses and information after a man died following a multi-vehicle collision on the A12 in Leytonstone. Police were called on Wednesday, 24 January at 23:09 hours to reports of a collision involving a number of vehicles on the eastbound carriageway of the A12, E11 between Ruckholt Road and Whipps Cross The emergency services attended and a 73-year-old man was pronounced dead at the scene. His next of kin have been informed. Formal identification awaits and a post-mortem examination will be held in due course. Detectives from the Met’s Roads and Transport Policing Command are investigating. Officers have established that there was a damage -only collision that initially occurred between two vehicles with both drivers exchanging details and leaving the scene. This collision caused tailbacks which led to a BMW colliding with four other vehicles before it then collided with a central reservation. Vehicle 1 (a Porsche) and 2 (a Range Rover) involved in the collision with the BMW left prior to police arrival. Vehicle 3 (a Ford Mondeo) and Vehicle 4 (a Peugeot 206) remained at the scene. The driver of vehicle 3 moved his car to the side of the road in order to repair his wheel and in the process of changing the wheel he became unwell. Despite the best efforts of the emergency services he died. The occupants of vehicle 4 were not injured. The occupants of the BMW (a white X6 Coupe with the vehicle registration number OV6GYJ) abandoned the vehicle and made off. Detective Sergeant Jeff Edwards of the Met’s Serious Collision Investigation Unit said: “This was a very serious collision involving a number of vehicles, which has sadly resulted in a man losing his life. Whilst we continue to speak to witnesses and will be reviewing CCTV from the area it is important we trace the occupants of the BMW who fled the scene. The drivers of the other vehicles involved have all been traced and are assisting us with our enquiries. I would encourage the driver of the BMW to come forward as soon as possible.” Any witnesses or anyone with information or footage is asked to contact the Serious Collision Investigation Unit at Chadwell Heath on 020 8597 4874