Wimbledon school community ‘in profound shock’ after girl, 8, dies in Land Rover crash
school community is in “profound shock” after an eight-year-old pupil died when a Land Rover was crashed into a school building on the final day of term.
The vehicle struck the main hall building of The Study Prep School on Camp Road in Wimbledon[1] shortly before 10am on Thursday. Fifteen others were injured and the London Ambulance Service declared a major incident.
Pupils at the £16,000-a-year school had been having an outdoor party to celebrate the last day of the summer term when tragedy struck.
Paramedics said that 16 patients were treated at the scene, 10 of whom were taken to hospital.
The Met Police[2] confirmed that the driver of the vehicle, a woman aged in her 40s, has been arrested on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving.
In a statement on Thursday evening published on its website, The Study Preparatory School said: “We are profoundly shocked by the tragic accident this morning at Wilberforce House and devastated that it has claimed the life of one of our young pupils, as well as injuring several others.
“Our thoughts are with the bereaved family and with the families of those injured at this terrible time.
“It is still far too soon to fully understand what happened, but we are well aware of the significant impact this dreadful event will have on our pupils and their families.
“Their welfare remains our top priority and we will be doing everything we can to support them, especially those who suffered injuries.”
Detective Chief Superintendent Clair Kelland, local police commander for south-west London, said: “This is tragic news and our thoughts are with the girl’s family and friends, and everyone affected today.
“We remain at the scene and are continuing our investigation into the full circumstances of the incident.”
The driver of the vehicle, a woman aged in her 40s, has been arrested on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving
/ Peter Macdiarmid/LNPWimbledon MP Stephen Hammond said pupils at The Study were having a party when the incident happened.
The Conservative politician said: “I think it was a usual end-of-year celebration party. Just in the garden,” said the Conservative politician.
“As I understand it, they were inside the school but outside the classroom.”
Responding to a question at the scene, John Tucker, chair of the school’s governors, said: “You’ll perhaps appreciate that the school community is profoundly affected by this tragedy and at the moment we’re really not in a position to make any further comment about it.
“We’ll be in communication with all those in the community about the further steps that we as a school will take.”
Chief Paramedic Dr John Martin from the London Ambulance Service told reporters at the scene: "We dispatched multiple resources including specialist critical care paramedics, London's air ambulance and 15 ambulances.
“We declared a major incident. We treated 16 patients on scene. Sadly, as we've heard, one eight-year-old girl died.”
It was earlier reported that the Land Rover was being driven by a woman who suffered a medical incident.
Paramedics and the London Air Ambulance had also been called. A large number of police vehicles and ambulances were at the scene.
Pupils at The Study were holding a tea party outside when the bronze Land Rover Defender ploughed through a fence before colliding with them.
Discarded cups and party food were strewn across the lawn in a scene of carnage in the aftermath of the crash.
After hitting the children, the car went on to hit the wall of the school hall.
Pupils at The Study were holding a tea party outside when the bronze Land Rover Defender ploughed through a fence
/ PAA neighbour to the school told the Standard: “I was told there was an end of term party when the car careered into the school. Everyone is extremely shaken up.”
Another said: “I heard a bang and scaping metal, it was like a bomb going off.”
Prime Minister Rishi Sunak offered his “deepest condolences” to the family of the girl killed in the “terrifying” incident.
“The Prime Minister’s deepest condolences are with the family of the girl who has tragically lost her life,” a Downing Street spokesman said.
“His thoughts are with all those injured and involved in the horrific collision in Wimbledon this morning. This will have been a terrifying experience for all of the children, staff and parents.”
Speaking at an Assembly meeting, Mayor of London Sadiq Khan said: “All of us I'm sure will have [those affected] in our thoughts and prayers, and not just any family that may be bereaved, but [the] families of those who are injured.
“My team has been reaching out to all the various emergency services, and the local community, whilst I've been here, to make sure they get all the support they need."
The Wimbledon tennis tournament, which is currently taking place just a mile away from the Wimbledon Common school, also tweeted its “heartfelt condolences to all those affected” by the tragedy.
Home Secretary Suella Braverman added: “I am saddened to hear about the tragic incident at the school in Wimbledon this morning. My thoughts are with everyone affected.
“I would like to thank emergency responders at the scene. It is important they are now able to carry out their investigation.”
Officers have advised residents that the road will be cordoned off for the foreseeable.
MP Mr Hammond said he was “very concerned” to hear about the crash and that his “thoughts and prayers go out to everyone at The Study.”
He added that it had been the last day of term at the school, an independent prep school for girls aged between four and eleven.
People gather outside a cordon at the scene
/ Getty ImagesMr Hammond said the Camp Road site of the school caters for younger children between the ages of four and eight.
London Fire Brigade Deputy Assistant Commissioner Andy Pennick said: “This is an incredibly sad incident and our thoughts are with the family, friends and the local community at this difficult time.
“On arrival, our crews provided safe access for emergency services to the incident scene by removing safety railings using specialist equipment.
“Firefighters also assisted London Ambulance Service crews with providing immediate emergency care to members of the public.”
Mr Pennick said firefighters who responded to the tragedy would be offered counselling as a priority.
References
- ^ Wimbledon (www.standard.co.uk)
- ^ Met Police (www.standard.co.uk)