An eight-year-old girl was killed and 16 people injured, some seriously, when a car crashed into a primary school in Wimbledon, south-west London, just hours before the school holidays.
The driver of the vehicle, a 40-year-old, was arrested, said the police, who were able to quickly rule out a trace of terrorism.
The accident happened just before 10am in a quiet, leafy and rather affluent area just over a kilometer from the Wimbledon tournament which is currently taking place.
The police cordoned off the school, where many parents rushed after hearing the news.
AFP
Footage showed a damaged Land Rover 4X4 nearly snagging on the building wall in the school garden where several tables were placed. According to the Times newspaper, the children at this private all-girls school were celebrating the start of summer vacation.
“Unfortunately, an 8-year-old girl died in this accident,” South West London Police Officer Clair Kelland said at a press conference. “Our thoughts are with his family at this incredibly difficult time,” she added.
A total of 16 people were treated on site. Ten were subsequently taken to hospital, said John Martin of the London Ambulance Service. He did not provide the age or condition of the injured, some of whom were seriously injured, according to local MP Stephen Hammond.
“The school is deeply affected by this tragedy,” said John Tucker, director of the facility, the Study Prep School, without further comment during this press conference ahead of the school.
An investigation to clarify the circumstances of the accident is underway.
AFP
The driver of the vehicle was arrested on suspicion of dangerous driving which resulted in death. According to Stephen Hammond, she is from the neighborhood.
“Our priority will be to identify all witnesses, review the CCTV footage and of course interview the person in police custody,” Clair Kelland said.
Several politicians, including Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, Home Secretary Suella Braverman and London Mayor Sadiq Khan, sent their thoughts to the victims and praised the actions of the emergency services.
Mr Sunak spoke of the “terrible” incident and offered “his sincere condolences” to the little girl’s family. Health Secretary Steve Barclay spoke of a “shattering” incident. “My thoughts are with (…) all those affected,” he added.