The Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) has initiated a comprehensive investigation into a horrific collision involving multiple vehicles on the M25 in Hertfordshire, leading to the closure of a 5-mile section of the motorway. The incident between junctions 21A and 22 near Radlett and Colley Street has left the region in turmoil, with emergency services and investigators swiftly responding to the scene.
Early reports suggest that several vehicles were involved in the collision, resulting in at least one fatality. However, authorities have yet to confirm the total number of casualties. The impact of the crash was so severe that wreckage from the vehicles is strewn across all four lanes of the M25.
As a result of the incident, the affected section of the M25 has been completely closed to traffic. Drivers are advised to seek alternative routes to avoid disruptions and delays.
In a statement from Herts Police, they confirmed the closure of the M25 between junctions 22 (London Colney) and 21A (North Orbital Road/St Albans) while emergency services addressed the serious road traffic collision. They urged motorists to avoid the area and expressed gratitude to the public for their patience. Updates on the situation will be provided as more information becomes available.
[data-ps-embed-type=slideshow] > iframe {position: absolute;top: 0;left: 0;} _psEmbed(“https:///uknip.photoshelter.com”);The IOPC’s involvement in the investigation is centred on the actions of the police leading up to the fatal road traffic collision. The incident is believed to have occurred around 4 a.m. on Sunday, February 4th, when Hertfordshire Constabulary was reportedly in pursuit of a van. This pursuit culminated in the van being involved in a collision between Watford and St Albans. Notably, no police vehicles were directly involved in the collision, and the pursuit had been terminated before the crash occurred.
The IOPC promptly dispatched investigators to the scene and post-incident procedures to commence the information-gathering process. A spokesman for the IOPC acknowledged that the investigation is still in its early stages.
The IOPC’s inquiry aims to provide clarity regarding the circumstances leading to the collision and the nature of the police pursuit preceding it. Further updates on the investigation will be released as it progresses.
A Spokesman for the Herts Police said:
The M25 remains closed between junctions 22 (London Colney) and 21A (North Orbital Road/St Albans) following a collision at around 4am this morning. Officers were in pursuit of a van before the van was involved in a collision with three other vehicles. No police vehicles were involved in the collision and the pursuit had been stood down prior to the collision.
A woman has sadly passed away and her family are being supported by specially trained officers.
As a matter of course, the incident has been referred to the Independent Office for Police Conduct.
