Key Points
- An 18-year-old boy died following a crash involving a car and a van on Ferny Hill, Barnet, north London.
- Emergency services were called at 11.40pm on November 6, 2025.
- Four individuals were found at the scene requiring medical assistance: three teenage boys from the car and a man in his 40s from the van.
- The deceased boy passed away two days later on November 8, 2025.
- A second boy sustained life-changing injuries and has since been discharged from hospital.
- The third teenager and the van driver did not suffer serious injuries.
- No arrests have been made as the investigation remains ongoing to establish the circumstances.
- Detective Constable Pauline Redmond of the Metropolitan Police appealed for witnesses who were in the area that night.
Ferny Hill, Barnet (North London News) January 20, 2026 – Police in Barnet are urgently appealing for witnesses after an 18-year-old boy tragically died following a serious collision between a car and a van on Ferny Hill. The incident, reported to emergency services at 11.40pm on November 6, 2025, left four people in need of medical help, with one teenager succumbing to his injuries two days later on November 8.
What Happened on Ferny Hill that Night?
The crash occurred late on November 6, 2025, when a car collided with a van on Ferny Hill, a residential road in Barnet, north London. Emergency services rushed to the scene shortly after 11.40pm, where they discovered three teenage boys who had been travelling in the car and a man in his 40s, the driver of the van. All four individuals required immediate medical assistance due to their injuries sustained in the collision.
One of the teenage boys, aged 18, sadly died in hospital on November 8, 2025, two days after the incident. A second boy from the car suffered life-changing injuries but has since been discharged from hospital to continue his recovery. The third teenager and the van driver escaped with injuries that were not deemed serious.
Who Are the Victims and What Is Their Condition?
Details about the victims’ identities have not been released by authorities, respecting the privacy of their families during this difficult time. The 18-year-old boy who passed away was one of three teenagers in the car at the time of the crash. His death has prompted a thorough investigation by the Metropolitan Police, known as the Met.
The second boy, who endured life-changing injuries, has been released from hospital, indicating a stabilising condition despite the severity of his wounds. Meanwhile, the third teenager and the man in his 40s from the van received treatment but did not sustain serious harm. No further updates on their statuses have been provided as the focus remains on the ongoing probe.
Why Are Police Appealing for Witnesses Now?
More than two months after the incident, the Metropolitan Police continue their investigation to piece together the exact circumstances of the crash. No arrests have been made, and officers are keen to gather any additional evidence from the public to provide clarity for the victim’s family, friends, and survivors.
Detective Constable Pauline Redmond, leading the investigation, emphasised the gravity of the situation. As reported in the initial police statement, she said:
“This was a serious collision, which resulted in the death of an 18-year-old boy.”
She further noted:
“The Met is launching an investigation in order to establish exactly what happened, and hopefully bring a measure of comfort to the victim’s family, his friends and the survivors.”
DC Redmond directly appealed to the public, stating:
“As part of this, we are appealing for anyone who was in the area on the night of the incident to come forward.”
This call underscores the police’s determination to leave no stone unturned.
How Can Witnesses Come Forward?
The Metropolitan Police have urged anyone with information, dash cam footage, or who was in the Ferny Hill area around 11.40pm on November 6, 2025, to contact detectives. Witnesses can reach the investigation team via the Met’s non-emergency line on 101, quoting the reference number for the case, or provide information anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
This standard procedure for road traffic collisions involving fatalities ensures that even minor details could prove pivotal. The police have stressed that no piece of information is too small in helping to reconstruct the events leading to the tragedy.
What Is the Current Status of the Investigation?
The probe remains active with no arrests reported as of January 20, 2026. Authorities are working to confirm the sequence of events, including factors such as speed, road conditions, and any potential contributory elements. The lack of immediate arrests suggests that evidence gathering is at a delicate stage, prioritising thoroughness over haste.
Detective Constable Pauline Redmond reiterated the investigative focus in her public statement:
“The Met is launching an investigation in order to establish exactly what happened.”
This ongoing effort aims not only to determine culpability but also to offer solace to those affected.
Where Exactly Did the Crash Occur?
Ferny Hill is a quiet residential street in Barnet, north London, known for its suburban character. The collision took place directly on this road, prompting a swift response from emergency services just before midnight on November 6, 2025. Local residents may have vital recollections or recordings from that evening.
The area’s proximity to key Barnet landmarks places it within a community familiar with routine traffic, making any late-night incident particularly noteworthy. Police have not indicated any road closures or disruptions beyond the initial response.
When Did Emergency Services Respond?
Emergency services were notified at precisely 11.40pm on November 6, 2025, arriving promptly to tend to the injured. The three boys from the car and the van driver were all located at the scene in need of assistance, highlighting the immediate severity.
The 18-year-old boy’s death on November 8 marked a tragic escalation, two days after the crash. This timeline has been consistently reported in the police appeal, forming the backbone of public information.
Who Is Leading the Police Investigation?
Detective Constable Pauline Redmond of the Metropolitan Police’s roads and transport policing team is spearheading the effort. Her statements, as quoted in the official release, provide the primary insight into the case:
“This was a serious collision, which resulted in the death of an 18-year-old boy.”
DC Redmond’s appeal extends directly to the community:
“As part of this, we are appealing for anyone who was in the area on the night of the incident to come forward.”
Her role ensures a professional, family-sensitive approach.
What Support Is Available for the Family?
While specific details on family support have not been disclosed, the Metropolitan Police routinely liaise with victim care units and local services in such cases. DC Redmond’s comments highlight the intent to bring comfort:
“hopefully bring a measure of comfort to the victim’s family, his friends and the survivors.”
Barnet Council and community groups often step in for counselling and memorial arrangements following fatal incidents, though no official statements from these bodies have emerged yet.
Why Is This Crash Significant for Barnet?
Fatal road collisions remain a sobering issue in north London boroughs like Barnet, where residential roads intersect with busier routes. This incident on Ferny Hill serves as a stark reminder of road safety, particularly involving young drivers and late-night travel.
The police appeal amplifies community awareness, potentially prompting local discussions on traffic calming measures or awareness campaigns. No prior similar incidents on Ferny Hill have been linked, making this a standalone tragedy.
How Does This Fit into Broader Road Safety Trends?
North London has seen fluctuations in road fatalities, with the Metropolitan Police annually reviewing collision data. This case, involving teenagers, aligns with patterns where younger drivers feature prominently in serious incidents.
Authorities continue to promote vigilance, dash cam usage, and adherence to speed limits. The ongoing investigation may yield recommendations for local safety enhancements.
