A police pursuit in Rainham turned tragic on the evening of Monday, January 22, as a dramatic chase ended in a devastating collision, leaving a taxi driver with life-threatening injuries. The Metropolitan Police are now launching a comprehensive investigation into the incident.
[data-ps-embed-type=slideshow] > iframe {position: absolute;top: 0;left: 0;} _psEmbed(“https:///uknip.photoshelter.com”);The pursuit unfolded when two unmarked police vehicles from the Met Police were engaged in a high-speed chase of a car that had evaded a traffic stop, subsequently running a red light. The pursuit escalated, ultimately culminating in a collision between the fleeing vehicle and a taxi, causing severe damage and grave injuries to the taxi driver.
The collision transpired on New Road, necessitating a complete road closure in both directions. Emergency services swiftly responded to the scene, including the London Fire Brigade, the London Ambulance Service, and officers from the Chadwell Heath Traffic Garage. Their arrival came shortly after 9 pm on Monday.
Eyewitnesses recounted a chaotic and distressing scene at the accident site, with the injured taxi driver receiving immediate medical attention. Paramedics performed cycles of CPR as part of their efforts to stabilize the injured driver’s condition. Following this initial medical assessment, the injured man was attended to by HEMS (London Air Ambulance) doctors and subsequently transported to a London Trauma Centre.
Specialist collision scene investigators have been summoned to the location to conduct a thorough inquiry and collect essential evidence that may assist in potential legal proceedings. Currently, the road closure, spanning from Dovers Corner to Cherry Tree Lane in Rainham, remains in effect. This closure allows medical professionals to carefully assess the extent of the taxi driver’s injuries.
The Metropolitan Police have been contacted for an official statement regarding the incident. Authorities are diligently working to unravel the circumstances surrounding the police chase and subsequent collision, while the injured taxi driver continues to battle for his life in critical condition.
This tragic incident serves as a poignant reminder of the inherent risks associated with high-speed pursuits and the potential consequences that may befall innocent bystanders. The ongoing investigation is designed to provide clarity regarding the events leading up to this unfortunate collision and ensure that those responsible are held accountable for their actions.
The Metropolitan Police issued a statement, saying, “At around 9pm on Monday, 22 January, officers in Havering requested a car to stop in New Road, Rainham. The driver failed to do so, and a pursuit was authorized. Shortly afterwards, the car collided with a member of the public. The passengers got out and fled the scene; officers attempted to locate them but were unable to do so. Officers also provided first aid to the injured man who was taken to the hospital. He remains there in a serious but stable condition. Enquiries to trace the driver and passengers of the car remain ongoing.”
