Second child, eight, dies after Wimbledon school crash | UK news

A second child has died after a Land Rover crashed through a school fence in south-west London on Thursday.

The Metropolitan police named the girl as eight-year-old Nuria Sajjad.

Several people were injured after the car came off the road and collided with a building at The Study Prep School in Wimbledon at 9.54am. The death of another girl, eight-year-old Selena Lau, was confirmed later the same day.

In a statement, Nuria’s family said: “It is with profound sorrow that we announce the passing of our beloved Nuria on Sunday 9 July 2023. Nuria was the light of our lives. She embodied joy, kindness and generosity and she was loved by all around her.

“We would like to thank the efforts of the emergency services, all the extraordinary staff at St George’s Hospital, the parents of Nuria’s class fellows, and staff of the study prep for all they have done to ease Nuria’s journey.

“We request that our privacy is respected at this difficult time.”

Sadiq Khan, the mayor of London, tweeted: “My heart goes out to the family of eight-year-old Nuria Sajjad and everyone affected by this tragic incident.”

Following the crash, 35 police vehicles attended the scene with other members of the emergency services. A total of 16 people were treated at the scene and 10, including a seven-month-old girl, were taken to hospital.

A woman in her 40s remains in hospital in a serious condition, while others were treated for non-life threatening injuries.

Police have said that the injured adults were parents or carers and not staff at the school.

The driver of the car, a 46-year-old woman from Wimbledon, was arrested at the scene on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving. She was taken to hospital, where her condition was also assessed as non-life threatening, and has been bailed to a date in late July pending further enquiries.

Detectives from the Met’s serious collision investigation unit are leading an investigation and their enquiries are ongoing. The incident is not being treated as terror-related.

A statement released by Selena Lau’s family, who also died in the crash, described her as an “intelligent and cheeky girl” who had been “adored and loved by everyone”.

“The family wishes their privacy to be respected at this sad time,” it said.

A police cordon was lifted on Friday morning and locals began to lay floral tributes at the gates to the school.

One woman wearing a blue sling around her arm visited the scene and left flowers in a box and a card. A note she left at the scene read: “Dear Selena, you will always be our shining star. We will miss you so much.”

Another tribute read: “The community of Wimbledon beats and pulses as one. Let us help. We pray that the many happy memories formed at this wonderful school and in your family lives can wrap their arms around you and, in time, bring some comfort.”

Some expressed thanks to staff at the school. One read: “Dear all staff that work here, I hope you are all OK. I’m so sorry. Thank you for all that you are doing to help.”

DCS Clair Kelland, the local policing commander for south-west London, said: “It is difficult to imagine the pain and upset the families of those involved are going through and we will do all we can to support them as our investigation continues.

“I know the impact of this tragic incident is also being felt in the wider community and we are working with our partners to ensure the appropriate support is in place.

“I understand many people will want answers about how this happened and there is a team of detectives working to establish the circumstances.”