Three are arrested over crash that killed teenagers aged 18 and 19 as 16-year-old fights for life in hospital

By OLIVIA DAY, ASSISTANT NEWS EDITOR, AUSTRALIA Published: 11:56, 26 June 2026 | Updated: 12:22, 26 June 2026 Two teenagers have died and three men have been arrested after a suspected hit-and-run crash on the A13 saw a Volkswagen Golf burst into flames.  The teenage boys, aged 18 and 19, died at the scene near Newham Way in east London on Thursday night despite the efforts of paramedics.  Metropolitan Police said their next-of-kin have been informed and are being supported by specialist officers in a statement on Friday.  Three people, including a 16-year-old boy with life-threatening injuries, were rushed to hospital by the London Ambulance Service.  All three remain in hospital as of Friday morning.  Three men aged 18, 19 and 23 have been arrested on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving and failure to stop. They remain in custody as enquiries by the Met Police's Serious Collision Investigation Unit continue.  First responders including police, fire crews and paramedics responded at 8.15pm following reports of a multi-vehicle crash on the eastbound carriageway.  Two teenagers have died and three men have been arrested following a suspected hit-and-run crash on the A13 that saw a Volkswagen Golf burst into flames (pictured) It is understood the Volkswagen Golf was travelling at high speed and may have exceeded the speed limit moments before the crash.  Shocking images show the mangled remnants of the Golf being removed by a tow truck and another vehicle wedged against a barrier wall.  Witnesses described hearing a loud bang before the vehicle burst into flames, sending a large fireball and thick black smoke into the sky.  Officers from the Metropolitan Police's Roads and Transport Policing Command remained at the scene throughout the night.  Specialist collision investigators carried out a forensic examination of the wreckage and surrounding area. Detective Chief Inspector James Beck, from the Met's Serious Collision Investigation Unit, said their thoughts were with the victims' loved ones.  'As we work to build a picture of the circumstances, we are keen to hear from any witnesses to the collision - particularly those with dashcam footage,' he said.  He asked the public to refrain from sharing footage of the aftermath of the crash.   The teenage boys, aged 18 and 19, were pronounced dead at the scene near Newham Way in east London on Thursday night (the crash site is pictured) 'We are aware of videos circulating on social media which appear to show the aftermath of the collision,' he continued.  'We remind people to be respectful of the impact of this footage and encourage people not to share and instead contact police directly if they have information.' A London Ambulance Service spokesperson said paramedics treated five patients at the scene.  Ambulance crews, paramedics in fast response cars, an incident response officer, paramedics from the hazardous area response team (HART) and a trauma team in a car from London's Air Ambulance were dispatched. 'We took three people to hospital but very sadly, two people were pronounced dead at the scene,' they said.  A London Fire Brigade spokesperson said firefighters responded to reports of a vehicle alight following a collision on A13 Newham Way. 'One car was in collision with street furniture and two vehicles,' they said.  'The Brigade was called at 8.18pm (25/06). Control Officers mobilised two fire engines and a Fire Rescue Unit to the scene.' London Stadium told visitors to expect delays on their journey home after the eastbound carriageway was closed. 'Traffic is already heavily impacted in both directions, with long delays expected,' it wrote on its Facebook page.  'We strongly recommend planning alternative routes and allowing extra time for your journey home. Please travel safely.' Anyone with information or footage is urged to call police on 101, quoting reference 01/7736458/26.  Information can also be provided anonymously via Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111. Sorry we are not currently accepting comments on this article.