A tragic car crash occurred early Saturday morning on February 1, 2025, claiming the lives of four university students when their vehicle crashed onto Magdalen Street, Colchester, Essex. The victims, ages ranging from 21 to 24, have been identified as Makyle Bayley, 22; Eva Darold-Tchikaya, 21; Anthony Hibbert, 24; and Daljang Wol, 22, all students at the University of Essex.
Emergency services were alerted shortly before 4:40 AM, but upon arrival, they found the students pronounced dead at the scene. The car, reportedly colliding with the corner of a building, caused extensive damage both to the vehicle and the structure. Witnesses described the aftermath as shockingly severe, with debris scattered significantly from the impact site.
Stuart Hooper, Temporary Assistant Chief Constable of Essex Police, expressed deep condolences to the victims’ families, stating, “This will be an incredibly difficult time for them and we have specialist officers supporting them.” He confirmed the existence of their Serious Collision Investigation Unit to analyze the events leading up to the tragic incident.
Initial investigations suggest no other vehicles were involved, and authorities have urged anyone with CCTV or dashcam footage of the black Ford Focus around the time of the crash to come forward.
Locals reported hearing the crash, with some claiming it sounded like “an almighty bang.” One resident, Colin Beattie, recounted his experience as he saw emergency vehicles flood the area, recalling the sight of multiple ambulances and fire engines responding to the scene.
Mike Davies, 66, who lives near the incident, stated, “Police told me the car was so badly damaged inside the building they couldn't even tell what make or model it was.” He added, “They had to construct a temporary wooden platform to be able to take it out. They even had to bring in a JCB to help get it freed.”
The crash site drew significant attention from the community as residents expressed their sorrow, displaying flowers and messages of condolences. Several community members reiterated sentiments of disbelief about the tragedy, labeling it as “heartbreaking” and underscoring the devastating loss of young lives.
According to reports, the impact left the vehicle nearly unrecognizable, underscoring the severity of the accident. “From what I've seen of the car, they must have died on impact. There wasn't much left of the car,” stated Leon Lucas, another resident.
Councillor Richard Kirkby-Taylor echoed the collective grief of the community by stating, “I want to pass on my deepest condolences to the families. My heart really goes out to them. It is absolutely heartbreaking.”
The police have indicated their investigations will remain thorough, continuing to piece together the events leading to the collision. Anyone with pertinent information is encouraged to contact Essex Police, especially those referencing incident 179 from February 1.
Despite the police's efforts to manage the aftermath, streets remain lined with debris, and metal fencing has been erected to safeguard the crash area, which highlights the scene's tragic essence.
The collision has left deep emotional wounds within the local community. Many residents have reflected on the impact of the tragedy, which has rattled the peaceful streets of Colchester. “It was just terrible,” one shop owner mentioned as he surveyed the damage to his property.
Flowers have been left at the crash site, and one poignant bouquet carried the simple word “Why?” encapsulating the community's view on the tragic loss.
Temporary Assistant Chief Constable Stuart Hooper has reiterated the police's commitment to provide clarity to the families and the public. “Our inquiries to establish what led up to the collision are continuing, and I need anyone with information to reach out to us,” he concluded. The lives cut short by this incident serve as a solemn reminder of the fragility of life and the everyday perils on the roads.