Wimbledon school crash: Eight-year-old girl remains in ‘life threatening condition’

An eight-year-old girl is in a “life threatening condition” after a car crashed into a primary school building, killing another eight-year-old girl.

The Met confirmed the girl was taken to hospital where she remains. A woman in her 40s also remains in hospital in a critical condition.

The Met confirmed yesterday that a girl had been killed in the crash at The Study Preparatory School in Camp Road, Wimbledon, while the London Ambulance Service confirmed a total of 16 people had been treated at the scene, with 10 taken to hospital.

Those taken to hospital – including a seven-month-old girl – have been assessed as not in a life-threatening condition.

The force also said that the school-age children involved in the crash were pupils at the school, while the injured adults were parents or carers of the children, not staff members.

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 assessed as not life-threatening. She has been bailed pending further enquiries to a date in late July.

The school and nearby community was rocked yesterday by the news and tributes have flooded in for those affected, with dozens of flower arrangements left at the scene.

John Tucker, chairman of governors of school spoke at a press conference yesterday, standing next to a visibly shaken headteacher of the school, and its acting head.

Mr Tucker said: “We are all profoundly affected by the tragedy, but right now we are not in a position to make a comment.”

Anita Hanley, who lives in the clubhouse at Wimbledon Golf course said she was out when the crash happened but returned home to a scene of “chaos”.

“It’s tragic,” she said. “Very sad. It’s a very quiet and peaceful area usually. Traffic never goes fast around here. Your heart goes out to all those affected. It’s very sad. The poor person in the car as well, whoever it is.

“The police were here instantly, we saw a helicopter and ambulances. I hope there’s no long term damage to those injured.”

Detectives from the Met’s Serious Collision Investigation Unit are leading the investigation and their enquiries are ongoing. They are expected to remain at the scene throughout the day.

The Met said officers had collected CCTV from nearby buildings and spoken with a number of witnesses. The car was removed from the scene last night and has been taken away for further examination.

Detective Chief Superintendent Clair Kelland, 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.

“This was the largest local policing deployment in south-west London since 2017 and our officers, along with members of the other emergency services, were met with a challenging and traumatic scene.

“I would like to praise them for doing all they could to help those injured. I have no doubt this incident would have also had a significant impact on them, and we will ensure their welfare is looked after.

“I understand many people will want answers about how this happened and there is a team of detectives working to establish the circumstances. I would ask the community to avoid speculating on a possible cause whilst these enquiries are carried out.”

Any witnesses, who have not yet spoken to police, are asked to call 101 quoting CAD 2200/06Jul.

Pictured top: People leave flowers for those affected by the tragedy (Picture: PA)