Third Death Confirmed Following East Peckham Collision Between Pony and Cart and Tipper Truck
A young girl has become the third fatality after a crash on the A228 Boyle Way in East Peckham on 1 April 2026, with a 29-year-old truck driver arrested.
The quiet evening of 1 April turned tragic when a white DAF tipper truck collided with a pony and cart on the A228 Boyle Way near Tonbridge. What began as a family outing has now claimed three lives.
Kent Police confirmed the devastating news that a young girl, aged about three, has died in hospital following the collision that occurred at 6.25pm between the Branbridges Road and Hale Street junctions. She becomes the third fatality in what has become one of the most tragic road incidents in recent East Peckham history.
The Collision Details
Both vehicles were travelling southbound when the collision happened. A man in his 30s driving the pony and cart died at the scene, alongside the pony. The young girl was rushed to hospital but succumbed to her injuries. A woman, understood to be the man’s wife, remains in critical condition.
Irish television personality Paddy Doherty has identified the deceased man as his cousin, revealing the family was out together when tragedy struck. The couple have three sons.
Investigation Underway
The truck driver, a 29-year-old man from Kent, was arrested at the scene and taken into custody. Kent Police’s serious collision investigation unit is leading the probe into the exact circumstances surrounding the crash.
Emergency services responded swiftly to the scene. South East Coast Ambulance Service, Kent Fire and Rescue Service, and Kent Police patrols all attended the collision on the rural stretch of road.
Appeal for Information
Detectives are appealing for anyone who witnessed the collision or has dashcam footage to come forward. They’re also seeking information about sightings of either vehicle before the crash occurred.
A Kent Police spokesperson said officers are working to establish the full circumstances of the incident. The investigation continues as the community grapples with the loss of life on what should have been an ordinary Wednesday evening.
Key Takeaways
- Three people have now died following the collision on A228 Boyle Way on 1 April 2026
- A 29-year-old truck driver has been arrested as part of the ongoing investigation
- Kent Police are appealing for witnesses and dashcam footage to help establish what happened
What This Means for Kent Residents
The tragic collision highlights the vulnerability of all road users on Kent’s rural routes, where different types of vehicles share the same carriageways. Residents travelling on the A228 and similar roads should remain extra vigilant, chiefly during evening hours when visibility may be reduced. Anyone with information about this incident should contact Kent Police’s serious collision investigation unit on 01622 798538 or email sciu.td@kent.police.uk quoting reference BN/JG/027/26, as witness accounts could prove vital to understanding how this tragedy unfolded.
Source: @kent_police
Published: 10 April 2026