An 8-year-old girl lost her life and multiple children and adults sustained injuries after a car collided with a building at a primary school in south London. The Metropolitan Police confirmed the incident, stating that the driver, a woman in her 40s, was arrested on the scene for causing death by dangerous driving and is currently in police custody.
According to local reports, the children, along with parents and teachers, were enjoying an end-of-term tea party in the garden of Study Prep School in Wimbledon. The school is located less than a mile away from the site of the ongoing tennis tournament. Senior police officer Clair Kelland, fighting back tears, provided the information to reporters outside the school. She declined to speculate on how the Land Rover crashed into the school premises.
Authorities have clarified that the incident is not being treated as terror-related. Emergency services responded promptly, with several ambulances, including air ambulance services, and fire officers present at the scene. Sixteen people, including children, received medical attention on-site, while ten individuals were transported to the hospital.
John Tucker, the chair of the school’s board of governors, expressed the profound impact of the tragedy on the school community and refrained from making further comments at the moment. A spokesperson for Prime Minister Rishi Sunak conveyed his condolences to the family of the young girl who tragically lost her life. The spokesperson acknowledged the terrifying experience endured by the children, staff, and parents involved in the collision.
As investigations continue, the focus remains on providing support to those affected by this heartbreaking incident.
