A major North London road remains shut after a terrifying crash on Upper Street, Islington. A car mounted the pavement and smashed into a busy café’s outdoor seating, injuring four and leaving a woman fighting for her life.
Morning Chaos on Upper Street
The horror smash unfolded just before 8am on Thursday, 10 April, involving three vehicles. One car veered off the road and crashed into a building near Islington Town Hall, between Canonbury Lane and Barnsbury Street.
Emergency services were called to reports of two cars colliding and one striking a pedestrian before ploughing into the café seating where customers were sitting.
Four Injured, One Critical
A man in his 20s, driving one of the cars, was arrested at the scene on suspicion of causing serious injury by dangerous driving. He was hospitalised with injuries described as non-life-threatening but potentially life-changing.
The second car’s driver, a man, and his female passenger in her 40s were also taken to hospital. The woman remains in critical condition with life-threatening or life-changing injuries.
Emergency Teams Rush to Scene
The London Ambulance Service launched a major 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.”
The London Fire Brigade confirmed two cars collided, one hit a pedestrian, then smashed into a building.
Scene of Devastation and Road Chaos
Photos on the ground show wrecked cars, shattered café furniture, and a heavy emergency presence. Sand, blue sheeting, and ambulance gear litter the pavement. Eyewitnesses described the crash as “shocking” with customers caught in the carnage.
A local tweeted:
“Shocking crash on Upper Street – a car mounted the pavement and hit a café. Hope everyone’s okay.”
The A1 Upper Street remains closed both ways between Highbury Corner and Islington Green, causing huge jams. Bus routes 4, 19, 30, and 43 are on diversion.
Investigation Underway
Police have sealed off the crash site and collision investigation teams are working. Officers are urging witnesses and anyone with dashcam footage to come forward.
“Enquiries continue. We ask anyone who witnessed the incident or has dashcam footage to get in touch,” said a police spokesperson.
If you have information, contact the Met Police via 101, quoting the crash date and location.
