MP raises concerns over street racers near fatal crash site

An MP has stated that street racers are inflicting “hell” upon residents residing close to the location where a two-year-old boy tragically died in a hit-and-run collision. The young boy succumbed to his injuries, and four adults sustained injuries when their vehicle was struck by a stolen Porsche on Dartmouth Road, Smethwick, on Saturday evening. Law enforcement officials suspect the stolen vehicle was departing a roundabout on Kenrick Way, an area residents identify as a frequent location for street racing. Sarah Coombes, the Labour MP for West Bromwich, commented, “Residents live through hell every Friday and Saturday night, dreading that these cars will turn up.” She informed BBC Radio WM, “We’ve had so many crashes on this stretch of road, we need to do something about it.” Ms. Coombes further noted that the “absolutely tragic” fatality of a young child has brought attention to “a terrible ongoing issue.” Ms. Coombes had previously brought up the issue of Kenrick Way in Parliament on November 27, slightly more than two weeks prior, stating that “extremely dangerous” street-racing had been “going on for years and years.” West Midlands Police reported that the collision occurred between a grey Porsche Cayenne and a Toyota shortly before 23:00 GMT on Saturday. The toddler and the four injured adults were occupants of the Toyota. The police force also stated that the driver of the Porsche had absconded from the site and appealed for them to present themselves. On Monday, police confirmed that a 29-year-old woman and a 30-year-old man remained hospitalized in a serious condition. A 30-year-old woman had been released from the hospital, while a 30-year-old man continued to receive medical care. Ms. Coombes indicated that residents had informed her of racing activity on Kenrick Way on Saturday night, though it remains unconfirmed whether this is connected to the fatal incident. She emphasized the necessity for increased police resources to curb street racing, ensuring sufficient officers are available for “stakeout” operations to apprehend drivers. She further mentioned the absence of a speed camera on the specific road segment, which is subject to a 40mph speed limit. Russell, a resident of Kenrick Way who has advocated against the racing, informed BBC Radio WM that racers operate vehicles at speeds exceeding 90mph.