Tragic Loss of Folkestone Teen in Horrific A249 Crash
A teenage girl has died in a heartbreaking car crash on the A249 near Maidstone. Alisha Ponter, just 16 and a student at Folkestone Academy, was a passenger in a Toyota Hilux that smashed into a road barrier and flipped over.
Emergency teams, including an air ambulance, rushed to the scene last Saturday evening but could not save her. Alisha was pronounced dead at the crash site.
Heartbroken Father Remembers ‘One-of-a-Kind’ Alisha
Alisha’s dad, Luke Ponter, paid a touching tribute to his daughter. “She was very bubbly and one-of-a-kind,” he said. “She was dependable and beautiful. She loved fake tans, eyelashes, nails, and was mad for sunbeds.”
Luke revealed Alisha was about to start work experience in a beauty shop and had a vibrant personality adored by all who knew her.
Other Teens Injured, Driver Arrested for Dangerous Driving
- A 15-year-old boy was seriously hurt and flown to a London hospital.
- A 17-year-old male suffered minor injuries and was arrested over the crash.
- He’s been bailed until May 20, charged with causing death by dangerous driving.
The crash happened near the Stockbury roundabout on the Sheppey-bound carriageway, around 6:50pm last Saturday. Police continue to probe the incident.
Police Appeal for Witnesses and Dashcam Footage
Investigators from the Serious Collision Investigation Unit are asking anyone with info or dashcam footage to come forward. You can contact them quoting reference RY/HG/021/24.
Friends, family, and the local community have flooded social media with heartfelt tributes, mourning the loss of Alisha – the eldest of seven siblings.
“We all are heartbroken,” said Luke after being told the devastating news by officers at the scene.
