Wimbledon school crash: Neighbours react to ‘tragic’ car crash that killed girl
The community near a primary school has been rocked today by a car crash that killed an eight-year-old girl, as the vehicle plowed into the school building.
The Met confirmed earlier today 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.
The driver of the vehicle, a woman aged in her 40s, has been arrested on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving.
Max Straker, 22, lives in a house with a garden that backs onto the school. He said he could see events unfold from his window.
“I saw teachers escorting the kids across the playground, he said.”Then the helicopter landed on the common.”
“The teachers looked like they were keeping the kids in order. It was very well organised. It looked like they had practiced it before. Then I heard people being taken away in ambulances.”
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.”
John Tucker, chairman of governors of The Study Preparatory School in Camp Road, Wimbledon, spoke at a press conference, 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.”
Representatives from the Met, London Ambulance Service (LAS) and London Fire Brigade also gave statements.
Clair Kelland, Detective Chief Superintendent of the Met’s South West unit, fought back tears as she confirmed it was an eight-year-old girl who died in the crash at an emotionally charged press conference outside the school earlier today.
“This is a very difficult time for the school and across the community,” said DCS Kelland. “Officers have spoken to lots of witnesses and reviewed CCTV footage.”
Dr John Martin, chief paramedic at the LAS, made special mention of the school staff and members of the public that helped at the scene.
Pictured top: A Land Rover Defender is seen inside the grounds of The Study Preparatory School in Camp Road, Wimbledon (Picture: PA)