Police appeal for witnesses of traffic light car crash

Andreas Elias at his school prom (Image: Archant)

Andreas Elias was a passenger in the black Ford Fiesta which smashed into a traffic light outside Zaga Super Store in Woodford Road just before 2am on Easter Sunday.

Police officers, firefighters and the paramedics attended the scene but were unable to save him, with a post-mortem examination held last week giving cause of death as head injuries.

Flowers and notes in memory of Andreas, who lived in South Woodford, have been attached to the traffic light where he was killed.

Messages include a note written by Andreas’ mother, which simply says: “My son Andreas Elias died here on Easter Sunday.”

Another mentions Andreas was due to be best man at his wedding, adding: “You left us too early but the laughs we had will last forever.”

Beatboxer Ben ‘R-tizt’ Francis, who reached the final of last year’s Britain’s Got Talent with band Luminites, was among Andreas’ school friends who contacted the Recorder to share their grief.

He described the news as “heartbreaking”, adding: “It just puts life into perspective”.

The driver of the car, a 24-year-old woman, is currently in a serious but stable condition in an East London hospital. The other passenger, also a 24-year-old woman, was taken to hospital with minor injuries and has since been discharged.

Zaga Super Store owner Ali, who did not want to give his full name, said he was shocked to be told of the accident outside his shop.

“It is very sad,” he added.

The incident is being investigated by officers from the Serious Collision Investigation Unit at Chadwell Heath Traffic Garage.

An inquest had been opened and adjourned at Walthamstow Coroners Court.

Witnesses should contact the police on 0208 597 4874.

Read more:

Tributes left at scene of fatal Forest Gate car accident