Tragic Car Crash Claims Lives of Four University Students in Colchester

Makyle Bayley, Eva Darold-Tchikaya, Anthony Hibbert, and Daljang Wol. Authorities are providing support to their families through specialized officers.

Essex Police reported that they received calls regarding the crash at around 4:40 am, and the investigation led to the closure of the road for almost 24 hours. Witnesses described the scene as chaotic, with debris scattered across the area. Builder Mike Davies recounted seeing police struggle to remove the car from the wreckage, indicating that a JCB had to be brought in for assistance, highlighting the extent of the damage to both the vehicle and the building.

Local residents, including retired taxi driver Colin Beattie and Jodie Graves, shared their experiences of the crash, recalling the overwhelming noise and the sight of emergency services responding in large numbers. Councillor Richard Kirkby-Taylor expressed his condolences to the victims' families and suggested the car was likely going at a high speed when it collided with the structure.

Business owners working in the affected building expressed their devastation, recognizing the loss of life as far more significant than the destruction of property. Temporary Assistant Chief Constable Stuart Hooper conveyed sympathies on behalf of the police and emphasized the importance of community cooperation in their ongoing investigation. They have urged anyone with information, including footage from CCTV or dashcams, to come forward to assist in determining the circumstances surrounding the crash.