A man in his 20s has died after a crash on the A12 between Chelmsford and London in the early hours of this morning. The A12 was closed in both directions until just after lunchtime, when it partially reopened.
A white Renault Kango van crashed into the central reservation on the A12 London-bound near Brentwood, just before junction 11 and close to the M25, in a single-vehicle incident at around 3.30am today (December 30).
The driver, a man in his 20s from east London, was removed from the van by firefighters but was pronounced dead at the scene by emergency services. His next of kin have been informed.
The A12 was closed in both directions between junction 11 (M25 junction 28, Brook Street Interchange) and junction 12 (A1023).
Police are continuing to investigate the collision and are appealing for dash-cam footage of the incident.
Essex Police said in a statement issued at 7.30am: “A man in 20s from East London has died, following a single vehicle collision near the Brook Street roundabout in the early hours of this morning (Saturday, December 30).
“The man, who was driving a white Renault Kango van, was travelling London bound, when the vehicle left the road and collided with the central reservation, just prior to junction 11.
“Very sadly, the man died at the scene. Next of kin has been informed.
“Officers from our Serious Collision Investigation Unit are at the location of the incident, which happened at around 3.30am. “Anyone with information or dash cam footage from around the time of the incident, is asked to contact the Serious Collision Investigation Unit on 01245 240590 or email collisionappeal@essex.pnn.police.uk.”
Three fire engines were called to the scene at 3.38am.
The Essex County Fire and Rescue Service said: “Crews were called to the scene of a serious road traffic collision on the northbound A12, between junction 11 and junction 12 this morning (Saturday 30 December).
“On arrival firefighters reported that a van had collided with the central reservation and a man was trapped.
“Firefighters worked alongside the police and ambulance service to release the man and make the scene safe, but sadly the man died at the scene.”
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here