A major road in North London remains closed after a devastating collision on Upper Street, Islington, saw a car mount the pavement and smash into the outdoor seating area of a busy café, injuring four people and leaving one woman fighting for her life.
The crash happened shortly before 8am on Thursday, 10 April, and involved three vehicles, including one that veered off the road and struck a building near Islington Town Hall, between Canonbury Lane and Barnsbury Street.
Terrifying Collision
According to the Metropolitan Police, emergency services were called at 07:58am to reports of a collision involving two cars and a building. One vehicle hit a pedestrian and then crashed into the seating area outside the café, where customers are believed to have been sitting at the time.
A man in his 20s, who was behind the wheel of one of the cars, was arrested at the scene on suspicion of causing serious injury by dangerous driving. He was taken to hospital with injuries described as non-life-threatening but potentially life-changing.
The driver of the second car, also a man, and his female passenger, aged in her 40s, were both hospitalised. The woman remains in a critical condition, with injuries that are either life-threatening or life-changing.
Emergency Response
The London Ambulance Service deployed a significant response, including ambulance crews, a paramedic in a fast response car, an incident response officer, and London’s Air Ambulance.
“We treated four patients at the scene,” said an LAS spokesperson. “Two were taken to a major trauma centre and two to hospital.”
London Fire Brigade confirmed that two cars collided, and one of the vehicles then struck a pedestrian before slamming into the building.
Scene of Destruction
Images from the scene show wrecked vehicles, shattered café furniture, and a heavy emergency services presence. A pile of sand, blue sheeting, and ambulance equipment could be seen scattered near the scene. Witnesses described the crash as “shocking” and said customers had been sitting outside the café when the car ploughed into them.
One local wrote on X (formerly Twitter):
“Shocking crash on Upper Street – a car mounted the pavement and hit a café. Hope everyone’s okay.”
Road Closures and Diversions
The A1 Upper Street remains closed in both directions between Highbury Corner and Islington Green, causing heavy congestion in surrounding areas. Bus routes 4, 19, 30, and 43 are currently on diversion.
Investigation Ongoing
The Met Police confirmed that a crime scene is in place and collision investigation work is ongoing.
“Enquiries continue,” said a police spokesperson. “We ask anyone who witnessed the incident or has dashcam footage to come forward.”
Anyone with information is urged to contact Met Police via 101, quoting the date and location of the incident.
