Three teenagers tragically lost their lives in a head-on collision between a car and a bus near Heathrow Airport late Monday night, April 1, 2025. The victims, Harley Woods, 18, and two 17-year-olds, Star Tomkins and Jimmy Savory, were pronounced dead at the scene on Bedfont Road in Feltham, where both vehicles were engulfed in flames.
The accident occurred just after midnight when the silver Mercedes carrying the teenagers collided with an H26 bus bound for Hatton Cross. A fourth individual in the car was taken to the hospital, while two passengers from the bus also sustained injuries and were treated at the scene by paramedics.
In a heartfelt tribute, Star Tomkins' family shared on a GoFundMe page that aims to cover her funeral expenses: "It is with very heavy hearts that we share the unexpected passing of Star Tomkins, who passed away on the 1st of April 2025. She was a beloved daughter, sister, granddaughter, niece, and best friend. She had a heart of gold and will be deeply missed by many." The fundraising effort has already surpassed £10,000, reflecting the community's support.
Harley Woods' family expressed their devastation in a statement, saying, "We as a family are completely devastated by the loss of Harley. We ask if we can be left in peace to grieve and find a way through this." Meanwhile, Jimmy's mother, Lisa, remembered her son as "our darling boy" and invited all who knew him to his funeral later this month.
The Metropolitan Police reported that the collision took place on a narrow railway bridge on Bedfont Road, close to the Feltham Young Offenders Institution. Witnesses described the scene as horrific, with one bystander, Nero Verbickas, stating, "We heard a boom like a bomb then I saw a fire. There were people screaming. It was terrible." Another witness, Jessica Fell-Hicks, noted that the front of the bus "exploded" in flames.
Emergency services, including the London Fire Brigade, responded promptly, with crews arriving from Feltham and Heston stations. The fire was brought under control by 1:41 AM on April 1, but the damage was extensive. Images from the scene show the bus with its front half severely charred and the car covered with a blue tarp.
As the investigation into the incident continues, the Serious Collision Investigation Unit is urging witnesses or anyone with dashcam footage from the area at the time to come forward. The inquest into the deaths was opened and adjourned at West London Coroner’s Court on April 8, 2025.
Local residents have paid their respects by leaving flowers and messages at the crash site, mourning the loss of three young lives filled with potential. Community counseling services are being offered to students at nearby schools, where the teenagers were well-known.
This tragic incident has shaken the local community, with many expressing their sorrow and disbelief. A friend of one of the victims shared, "He was a lovely guy, he would give you anything he had. He was generous and hardworking. His family are heartbroken, absolutely devastated. When the mother lays the table for dinner, there will be one less place. It’s terrible."
Firefighters and emergency service personnel have been praised for their response during this difficult situation, with LFB Assistant Commissioner Paul McCourt stating, "The thoughts of everyone within the Brigade are with the families impacted by this tragic incident. I’d like to thank our crews and emergency service colleagues for their determination and dedication when responding to this difficult situation."
As investigations continue, the community remains united in grief, honoring the memories of Harley, Star, and Jimmy, whose lives were cut tragically short.
