Staples Corner Retail Park crash: Update on injured man

Police were called to Staples Corner Retail Park in Brent Cross shortly before 11.30pm on Sunday (April 14) to reports of a crash.

Five men, all believed to be aged in their early 20s, were found at the scene.

It is thought that they were all in a Mercedes CLK convertible when it crashed through a car park fence in the retail park and plunged down an embankment, striking a footbridge as it fell.

Originally it was reported that three of the men were pronounced dead at the scene, while the other two were in hospital – one in a critical condition and one not life-threatening.

The Metropolitan Police have confirmed that the man in critical condition is now deemed non life-threatening.

However the force said it is not in a position to name any of the victims who have died at this time.

There have been no arrests, and police have confirmed that the car was not stolen.

According to a friend of the men who talked to the Evening Standard, the victims were university friends and were returning from a 24-hour gym at Staples Corner.

A spokesperson for the Metropolitan Police said that the process of recovering the Mercedes was “extremely complicated” and led to extensive road closure.

All roads were reopened yesterday (April 15).

Officers believe that a number of cars were in the car park at the time of the crash, and enquiries are ongoing to trace everyone who was there.

Inspector William Mcdonald said: “Emergency services responded to what seems to have been a terrible accident.

“An urgent police investigation is under way to establish the full circumstances, led by detectives from the Met’s Serious Collision Investigation Unit.

“Officers are in the process of informing the families of the five young people. The families are being supported by specialist officers. I send them my sincere condolences.”

Anyone who witnessed the incident or has relevant mobile phone or dashcam footages is asked to call 101, reference 7502/14april.