HGV Crashes Into Police Car on A13 in Avoidable Smash
A 62-year-old lorry driver slammed into a stationary police car on the A13, sparking a dramatic and dangerous incident. Essex Police labelled the crash “avoidable” after officers were attending a broken-down BMW on the London-bound carriageway near Stanford-Le-Hope on June 11.
Police Car Positioned as Safety Barrier
The officers had parked their Vauxhall Astra police car in lane one, flashing emergency lights to warn approaching traffic. It was roughly 35 metres from the stranded BMW. All occupants had been moved safely behind the barrier, as recovery was awaited.
Violent Impact Sends Police Car Spinning
Moments after securing the scene, officers heard a loud bang behind them. The HGV smashed into their marked vehicle with such force it was shoved across the carriageway, coming to rest facing oncoming traffic at the central reservation barrier.
Driver Fined and Penalised for Careless Driving
David Boca, of Torworth Road, pleaded guilty to careless driving at Colchester Magistrates’ Court on December 13. He was slapped with nine penalty points, fined £733, and ordered to cover costs.
Adam Pipe, Essex Police’s Head of Roads Policing, said: “Thankfully, no one was injured that day. It doesn’t bear thinking about if someone had been struck by the lorry instead of the car.”
He stressed the vital role of Roads Policing officers and called the collision “completely avoidable”. The police car’s role was to shield workers and warn drivers — a grim reminder of the hazards careless driving poses near breakdowns and emergency scenes.
