Full Breakdown
Tragic A12 Collision Claims Life of Six-Year-Old Near Colchester
8/12/2026, 12:19:04 AM
Core Event
A lorry and a car collided on the northbound carriageway of the A12 near Colchester United’s football stadium on August 10. Emergency services arrived just after 10:30 am. A six-year-old girl was pronounced dead at the scene, and a second child sustained a leg injury and was taken to hospital. No arrests were made, and the lorry driver had passed all roadside tests; police said he will be interviewed in the coming days.
Background & Context
The A12 is a major arterial route in north-east Essex, linking London with East Anglia. The crash occurred close to junction 28, a key access point for traffic heading to and from Colchester town centre and the football ground.
Timeline
- August 10, just after 10:30 am – Collision reported; emergency services dispatched.
- Shortly thereafter – Both northbound and southbound carriageways closed to allow rescue work.
- 11:34 am – National Highways announced the northbound lane would remain closed between junction 28 and junction 26 for the rest of the day; southbound traffic began to be released.
- Afternoon – Traffic queues extended back toward Marks Tey, with delays of up to an hour.
Data & Statistics
- Fatalities: 1 (six-year-old girl).
- Injuries: 1 child with a leg injury, hospitalized.
- Road closure: northbound A12 between junction 28 (near the stadium) and junction 26 (Stanway).
- Congestion: delays of up to one hour; queues stretched back to Marks Tey (junction 25).
Official Statements & Responses
Detective Inspector Mark Fraser, leading the serious collision investigation unit for Essex Police, said officers had been assigned to support the victim’s family and that the investigation was ongoing. He confirmed the lorry driver had passed all roadside examinations and would be questioned in the coming days.
National Highways issued diversion instructions, directing northbound motorists to exit at junction 27, follow the A133 through Colchester, and rejoin the A12 at junction 29. Southbound drivers were advised to use a similar detour via the A1232 and A133. A National Highways spokesperson warned motorists to allow extra journey time while the closure persisted.
A police spokesperson reiterated the appeal for information, urging anyone with dash-cam footage or other evidence to contact Essex Police or Crimestoppers anonymously, quoting incident 421 of August 10 to ensure proper handling.
Verbatim Quotes
- “First and foremost, my thoughts are very much with this young child’s family and wider loved ones.” — Detective Inspector Mark Fraser, of Essex Police
- “Please quote incident 421 of 10 August when providing any information to make sure it gets to the right officer as quickly as possible.” — police spokesperson
What's Next
Police intend to interview the lorry driver in the next few days as part of the ongoing investigation. The northbound carriageway is expected to reopen after the day’s closure, but authorities have asked the public to remain vigilant for any further updates and to continue providing any relevant information to aid the inquiry.