An eight-year-old girl lost her life following an incident when a Land Rover crashed into a girls’ preparatory school building in Wimbledon, south London. Detective Chief Superintendent Clair Kelland, visibly emotional, shared the news during a press conference outside the school.
Chief Paramedic Dr John Martin of the London Ambulance Service revealed that a total of 16 people received medical treatment at The Study Preparatory School following the incident. The Metropolitan Police reported that a woman in her 40s has been arrested on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving and is currently in police custody.
Detective Chief Superintendent Kelland, struggling to hold back tears, informed reporters, “Very sadly, one of the children, an eight-year-old girl, died at the scene. Our thoughts are with her family during this incredibly difficult time.”
Paramedic Dr John Martin further explained, “At 9:54, we received a 999 call regarding a collision on Camp Road in Wimbledon. We dispatched multiple resources, including specialist critical care paramedics, London’s air ambulance, and 15 ambulances. We declared a major incident and treated 16 patients at the scene. Unfortunately, as we’ve heard, one eight-year-old girl lost her life.”
The Metropolitan Police clarified that the incident is not being treated as terror-related. Wimbledon MP Stephen Hammond, whose daughter was formerly a student at the school, revealed that several individuals sustained critical injuries. He described the situation as a “very serious incident,” considering the significant response from emergency services.
The school premises were cordoned off by the police, and aerial footage showed the car against the school building’s wall, with firefighters and paramedics present nearby. The authorities ensured the safety of the surrounding area, urging the public to stay away.
Residents of Wimbledon expressed their shock and grief. A former parent at the school remarked on the rarity of such incidents in the tranquil neighborhood. The devastating crash has left the community shaken.
London Mayor Sadiq Khan offered his condolences, describing the incident as “absolutely devastating.” He assured that the police have confirmed it is not terror-related, and a thorough investigation is underway to determine the circumstances surrounding the tragedy. The Mayor continues to maintain close contact with the Metropolitan Police and other emergency services involved.
