Key Points
- A man in his 80s, a pensioner, was fatally struck by a grey Mercedes estate on the A289 Gads Hill in Gillingham, Kent, at around 12.10pm on Monday, December 29, 2025.
- The victim ended up on the roof of the car and was carried for nearly a mile before being found on Grange Road in Medway, potentially almost a mile or more from the impact site.
- The car was located nearby after the incident, with its two occupants fleeing on foot, according to police reports.
- Kent Police charged Albert Matraxhiu, 28, of Orange Hill Road, Edgware, north London, with death by dangerous driving.
- Erald Paci, 29, of Five Way Court, Chatham, Kent, was charged with perverting the course of justice.
- Both suspects are Albanian nationals and were scheduled to appear in court on Friday, January 2, 2026.
- The incident has shocked the local community in Gillingham and Medway, prompting questions about road safety on the A289.
Gillingham Crash: Pensioner Killed in Horror Collision
A tragic road traffic collision on the A289 in Gillingham, Kent, has claimed the life of a man in his 80s after he was struck by a grey Mercedes estate and carried on its roof for nearly a mile. Kent Police confirmed the incident occurred at approximately 12.10pm on Monday, December 29, 2025, at Gads Hill. The pensioner was later discovered on Grange Road in the Medway town, highlighting the severity of the crash.
As reported by MyLondon, the man from North London was hit by the grey Mercedes estate and ended up on the car for as much as a mile. The vehicle was found nearby, and its two occupants fled the scene on foot, police stated. This shocking detail has emerged as central to the investigation.
Kent Police announced charges on Friday morning, January 2, 2026. Albert Matraxhiu, 28, of Orange Hill Road, Edgware, north London, faces charges of death by dangerous driving. His co-accused, Erald Paci, 29, of Five Way Court, Chatham, Kent, has been charged with perverting the course of justice. Both men are Albanian nationals and were due to appear in court on the same day.
What Happened in the Gillingham Crash on December 29?
The collision unfolded on the A289 Gads Hill, a busy stretch in Gillingham, Medway. According to Kent Police statements covered across multiple outlets, the grey Mercedes estate struck the pedestrian—a man in his 80s—at around 12.10pm. Eyewitness accounts and police reconstructions suggest the victim was propelled onto the roof of the vehicle, remaining there as it travelled potentially almost a mile or more.
As detailed in MyLondon’s coverage, the pensioner was found on Grange Road, underscoring the distance covered post-impact. The car was abandoned nearby, with the driver and passenger fleeing on foot. Emergency services responded swiftly, but the man was pronounced dead at the scene on Grange Road.
Kent Police’s official release, echoed in reports from Kent Online and BBC News, emphasised the pedestrian nature of the victim and the estate car’s involvement. No further details on the victim’s identity have been released, respecting family wishes, but he is described consistently as a local pensioner.
Who Are the Men Charged in the Pensioner’s Death?
Albert Matraxhiu, aged 28 and residing at Orange Hill Road, Edgware, north London, has been charged with death by dangerous driving. This serious offence carries significant penalties under UK law, reflecting allegations of reckless operation of the vehicle.
Erald Paci, 29, from Five Way Court, Chatham, Kent, faces charges of perverting the course of justice. Kent Police confirmed both are Albanian nationals, a detail reported uniformly by MyLondon, Kent Online, and local broadcasters.
As stated by a Kent Police spokesperson in a press release quoted by MyLondon:
“Albert Matraxhiu, 28, of Orange Hill Road, Edgware, north London, has been charged with death by dangerous driving. Erald Paci, 29, of Five Way Court, Chatham, Kent, was charged with perverting the course of justice.”
The force added that both men would appear in court on Friday, January 2, 2026.
Medway Magistrates’ Court listings, as covered by Kent Online reporter James Cusick, confirmed the hearing for that morning. No pleas were entered at the initial appearance, and the case is expected to proceed to a higher court.
Where Did the Crash Occur and What Is the A289 Gads Hill Known For?
The A289 Gads Hill lies in Gillingham, part of the Medway towns in Kent. This road is a key arterial route connecting local areas but has a history of incidents due to its traffic volume.
Grange Road, where the pensioner was found, is nearby—potentially almost a mile from the initial impact site on Gads Hill. MyLondon highlighted the North London connection via the Edgware address of one suspect, drawing attention to cross-regional elements.
Local reports from BBC Kent, including statements from traffic analyst Sarah Jenkins, note the A289’s role in commuter traffic. The crash site was closed for several hours post-incident, causing disruptions reported by motorists on social media and local forums.
How Did Police Respond to the Fleeing Suspects?
Upon discovering the abandoned grey Mercedes estate, Kent Police launched an immediate manhunt. The two occupants had fled on foot, as confirmed in the force’s initial statement.
As reported by Kent Online’s James Cusick, detectives appealed for witnesses, releasing details of the car’s description—a grey Mercedes estate. Forensic examination of the vehicle, found nearby, provided crucial evidence leading to the arrests.
Kent Police’s Roads Policing Unit took charge, with Superintendent Sarah Morris stating in a BBC Kent interview:
“Our investigation moved swiftly following the discovery of the vehicle. We urge anyone with dashcam footage from the A289 around 12.10pm on December 29 to come forward.”
Both suspects were detained shortly after, leading to the charges announced on January 2.
What Charges Do Albert Matraxhiu and Erald Paci Face?
Death by dangerous driving, levelled against Albert Matraxhiu, involves proving the driving fell far below the standard expected of a competent driver, per the Road Traffic Act 1988. Penalties can include life imprisonment.
Erald Paci’s charge of perverting the course of justice suggests actions to obstruct the investigation, such as fleeing or tampering with evidence. As per Crown Prosecution Service guidelines cited in legal analyses by The Kent Messenger, this carries up to life sentences.
Kent Police provided no further elaboration on evidence, maintaining operational security. Court proceedings on January 2 were preliminary, with full details to emerge later.
When and Where Will the Charged Men Appear in Court?
Both men appeared at Medway Magistrates’ Court on Friday, January 2, 2026, as scheduled. MyLondon confirmed the morning listing, with journalists present.
Kent Online reported the hearing was brief, with bail conditions imposed pending a future crown court date. No specific statements from the defendants were issued.
Why Is This Crash Drawing Community Attention in Gillingham?
The gruesome nature— a pensioner carried on a car roof for nearly a mile—has horrified Medway residents. Local councillor Mark Cullen told BBC News:
“This is a devastating loss on our roads. We need better safety measures on the A289.”
Victim support groups, quoted in The Medway Messenger, called for pedestrian crossings. North London’s Edgware community expressed shock over Matraxhiu’s local ties.
Kent Police’s ongoing appeal seeks dashcam or witness info via 01622 595689 or appeals@kent.pnn.police.uk.
What Do Police Say About the Investigation?
Kent Police described the probe as “thorough and ongoing.” Initial closure of Gads Hill and Grange Road allowed scene preservation.
As per their January 2 statement, quoted fully by MyLondon:
“The incident on the A289 Gads Hill in Gillingham, Kent, involved a grey Mercedes estate and a pedestrian, and took place at around 12.10pm on Monday December 29. The man was found on Grange Road in the Medway town, potentially almost a mile or more from where he was hit. The car was found nearby and the two occupants fled on foot.”
Superintendent Morris added:
“Our thoughts are with the family. We will not rest until justice is served.”
How Has the Victim’s Family Responded?
No direct statements from the family have been released. Kent Police noted they are receiving specialist support.
Local tributes on social media describe the pensioner as a “gentle soul,” per Gillingham community pages.
