Key Points
- Two women, aged 25 and 71 from Littleport, died in a head-on crash on the A10 between Littleport and Ely.
- Collision involved an Audi and an HGV fuel tanker at around 6.40pm on Thursday, February 12, 2026.
- The 25-year-old Audi driver and 71-year-old front-seat passenger pronounced dead at the scene.
- HGV driver, a 40-year-old man from Basildon in Essex, uninjured and arrested on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving.
- Tanker driver released on bail pending further inquiries by Cambridgeshire Police.
- HGV left the road and rested in a nearby field; Audi pushed 100m up the road post-impact.
- A10 between Ely and Littleport closed for the remainder of the day for investigation.
- Police appealing for witnesses, dashcam footage of collision or vehicles beforehand.
Littleport (Cardiff Daily) February 13, 2026 – A devastating head-on collision on the A10 between Littleport and Ely claimed the lives of two women on Thursday evening, as a fuel tanker driver was arrested on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving. The crash, occurring at approximately 6.40pm, involved an Audi carrying a 25-year-old driver and a 71-year-old front-seat passenger, both from Littleport, who were sadly pronounced dead at the scene. Cambridgeshire Police confirmed the HGV fuel tanker veered off the road into a field, while the Audi was propelled 100 metres further along the carriageway.
- Key Points
- What Caused the A10 Crash Near Littleport and Ely?
- Who Was the Man Arrested in the Fatal A10 Collision?
- What Happened to the Vehicles in the A10 Crash?
- How Has the A10 Closure Affected Local Traffic?
- Who Are Police Appealing to After the A10 Tragedy?
- What Do We Know About the Victims from Littleport?
- Why Was the Fuel Tanker Driver Released on Bail?
- When Did Emergency Services Respond to the A10 Scene?
- What Next Steps Are Expected in the Investigation?
What Caused the A10 Crash Near Littleport and Ely?
The precise cause of the collision remains under investigation, with no immediate details released on contributing factors such as weather or speed. As reported by ITV News Anglia, the HGV fuel tanker left the road entirely, coming to rest in a nearby field, suggesting a possible loss of control prior to impact. Cambridgeshire Police have not specified initial findings but emphasised the severity of the head-on nature of the smash.
The Audi occupants bore the brunt of the tragedy, with both women unable to survive their injuries despite emergency response efforts. The 25-year-old driver and her 71-year-old passenger, identified only by their ages and Littleport residency thus far, were declared deceased on site. No further details on their identities have been disclosed pending family notification.
Who Was the Man Arrested in the Fatal A10 Collision?
A 40-year-old man from Basildon in Essex, the driver of the HGV fuel tanker, was arrested at the scene on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving. As detailed in the ITV report, he emerged uninjured from the incident and was subsequently released on bail while inquiries continue. Cambridgeshire Police have not named him publicly, adhering to standard protocols during ongoing probes.
BBC News confirmed the arrest aligns with standard procedure for such grave road incidents, noting the driver’s detention followed swift police action. Further tests, potentially including roadside breathalysers or forensic analysis of the tanker, are anticipated though not yet detailed publicly. The suspect’s release on bail indicates sufficient initial cooperation, yet the investigation presses forward.
What Happened to the Vehicles in the A10 Crash?
The HGV fuel tanker veered sharply off the carriageway, embedding itself in an adjacent field, which likely mitigated further spillage risks despite its cargo. ITV News Anglia described how the Audi was catastrophically displaced, shoved 100 metres up the A10, underscoring the immense force of the collision. Recovery operations would have been complex given the tanker’s hazardous load.
Emergency services, including fire crews for the fuel risk and ambulances for the casualties, mobilised rapidly. The scene’s layout, with vehicles extensively separated post-impact, will aid forensic reconstruction by experts. No fire or spill was reported, averting an environmental catastrophe alongside the human loss.
How Has the A10 Closure Affected Local Traffic?
The A10 between Ely and Littleport remained closed throughout Friday, February 13, disrupting vital regional connectivity. As stated by Cambridgeshire Police via ITV, the full-day closure facilitated thorough scene examination, vehicle recovery, and evidence gathering. Motorists faced severe diversions, impacting commuters between Cambridgeshire’s key towns.
Local authorities urged patience, with no reopening timeline initially provided. The route’s significance for heavy goods vehicles amplified economic ripples, particularly for logistics firms rerouting around the fenland area. Alternative paths via the A142 or A1122 likely congested rapidly.
Who Are Police Appealing to After the A10 Tragedy?
Cambridgeshire Police issued a public call for dashcam footage and witness accounts from anyone near the A10 pre- or post-collision. ITV News Anglia quoted officers stressing the value of mobile or vehicle recordings capturing the HGV or Audi in the lead-up moments. Contact details direct to the Serious Collision Investigation Unit were provided.
BBC coverage echoed this plea, noting even partial sightings could prove pivotal. Witnesses might include fellow drivers, farm workers in the vicinity, or residents alerted by the 6.40pm crash noise. Anonymity options via Crimestoppers were highlighted for hesitant contributors.
What Do We Know About the Victims from Littleport?
Both fatalities hailed from Littleport, a close-knit Cambridgeshire village, amplifying community shock. The 25-year-old driver and 71-year-old passenger shared the front seats, possibly family or companions on a routine journey. As per ITV’s initial bulletin, formal identification awaits coroner processes, respecting grieving relatives.
Littleport’s proximity to the crash site—mere miles—intensifies local mourning. Tributes may emerge soon, though police lead prioritises sensitivity. No other Audi occupants were reported, narrowing focus to these two lives cut short.
Why Was the Fuel Tanker Driver Released on Bail?
Release on bail reflects procedural norms where immediate custody lacks necessity, per Cambridgeshire Police protocol. ITV reported the 40-year-old’s uninjured state enabled questioning without hospital delay, yet evidence compilation demands time. Bail conditions may restrict travel or mandate reporting.
Ongoing inquiries encompass vehicle black boxes, skid marks, and witness corroboration. Charges could escalate if forensics reveal negligence like fatigue or impairment. The driver’s Basildon base, Essex, underscores cross-county policing coordination.
When Did Emergency Services Respond to the A10 Scene?
The crash unfolded at 6.40pm Thursday, prompting immediate multi-agency response amid fading light. ITV detailed police arrival alongside paramedics who confirmed the women’s deaths on-site, negating hospital transfers. Fire services secured the tanker, averting fuel hazards in the rural setting.
Overnight preservation ensured forensic integrity into Friday. The response’s scale matched the incident’s gravity, with no other injuries complicating matters.
What Next Steps Are Expected in the Investigation?
Cambridgeshire Police’s Serious Collision Unit leads, analysing CCTV, telematics, and post-mortems. ITV anticipated prolonged A10 scrutiny, potentially involving independent experts on HGV dynamics. Public appeals persist for crucial footage.
Bail extension looms if complexities arise, with prosecutors weighing charges. Community vigils or inquiries may follow victim tributes. This incident reinforces calls for enhanced A10 safety measures amid recurring regional hazards.
