Three people dead after serious collision on M25 outside Waltham Abbey

The M25 was shut for around 11 hours following the incident (Credit: Rachel Dalton)

Three people have died and a fourth person has life-threatening injuries following a serious collision on the M25 in Essex. 

A lorry, minibus and car were all involved in the collision outside Waltham Abbey at around 6pm yesterday evening. 

Essex Police said it took place on the anti-clockwise carriageway between junctions 27 and 26. 

They have arrested two drivers on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving and on suspicion of causing serious injury by dangerous driving. 

We are at the scene of a serious collision on the M25 near Waltham Abbey. We have sent our Hazardous Area Response Team, two air ambulances, nine ambulances, four ambulance officers and an LAS vehicle. Both carriageways have closed and we are treating a number of people involved

— EEAST Ambulance Service (@EastEnglandAmb) August 23, 2021

Officers are working to trace the movements of all three vehicles leading up to the incident, including the car which was a Ford Mondeo. 

They are appealing for anyone with information to come forward. 

The road was closed for around 11 hours and only reopened after 5am this morning. 

“This evening has been incredibly challenging and we are continuing to work as quickly as we can to piece together exactly what led to this tragic incident,” said Detective Sergeant Steve Holmes. 

“My thoughts, and those of all officers on scene are with the families of those who lost their lives this evening.”

Anyone who witnessed the collision, has dash cam footage, or has information on it should submit a report online on the Essex Police website.

You can also call them on 101 and cite incident 972 of Monday, 23 August.

Information can also be given to independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or online here.

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