Wimbledon school crash LIVE: Girl, 8, killed by Land Rover and …
Flowers have been placed near the school where a girl, 8, died after a Land Rover crashed into a building in Wimbledon as it emerged a baby was also among the injured in the incident
Students at The Study Prep School[1] in London were enjoying an end of term tea party when the crash happened on Thursday morning inside the school grounds.
Several children were believed to be in critical condition and a woman in her 40s has been arrested on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving.
Parents were seen in tears outside the gates of the £16,000-a-year school as police activity continued, with a Land Rover removed from the scene on the back of a lorry.
The Study Preparatory School said:”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.”
Please check back regularly for updates in our live blog below.
08:09Susie Beever
Girl seen barefoot and ‘in distress’ outside the school
A “distressed” girl who was having difficulty walking was seen being supported by an adult outside the school, the BBC reports.
Both were barefoot at the time.
07:48Susie Beever
‘Baby among people seen injured’
A baby was seen crying in the back of an ambulance as emergency services swarmed the scene, one witness has said.
A 53-year-old man, who did not want to be named, was driving past the scene in the moments after the crash. He told The Times: ‘The girls were screaming – it was harrowing. Everyone was rushing, saying a car had just driven into the grounds.’
He then drove past again 20 minutes later, seeing the huge emergency response. “There was one little baby that was in the ambulance who was crying uncontrollably,” he said.
06:33Susie Beever
Woman, 40s, remains in custody this morning
A woman held over yesterday’s incident is still in police custody this morning as she’s questioned by detectives.
The driver, in her 40s, was arrested on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving. There have been unconfirmed claims the woman had suffered a medical episode at the wheel moments before the crash, although police are not currently in a position to say anything on this.
We’ll let you know as soon as there is any update on this throughout the day.
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AFP via Getty Images)
05:19William Walker
Flowers placed near the school, including some left by tearful parents
Flowers have been placed near the school, including some left by tearful parents who were pictured in poignant embraces on Thursday afternoon.
Sophia Graham, 27, and Tayla Landsberg, 22, who live nearby, brought flowers to the police cordon. They said: “When we found out one of the kids had died it was awful.
“When the police made their announcement it was so sad to see even them get emotional. It’s made a big impact on everyone.
“Kids walk in the Common freely without thinking about it.”
Ms Landsberg said: “It’s usually very peaceful, very bubbly with lots of fun activities going on.”
03:26William Walker
Mayor of London ‘heartbroken’ at little girl’s death
Mayor of London Sadiq Khan said: “I’m heartbroken at the news that an eight-year-old girl has so tragically died following the incident at a school in Wimbledon.
“My thoughts are with her loved ones, the school and wider community at this extremely difficult time, and on behalf of all Londoners I want to extend my deepest condolences to them.
“My heart goes out to everyone affected, including the other children and adults injured as a result of this incident, and I wish them all a full recovery.”
01:31William Walker
Several children fight for life in Wimbledon Land Rover crash that killed girl, 8
Several children were left fighting for their life on Thursday night among 16 victims of a horror Land Rover crash[2] at a school[3] which killed an eight-year-old girl.
The Study Prep school in Wimbledon, southwest London, has spoken of its “profound shock” after the vehicle collided with a group of partying children on the last day of term.
The little girl, who has not yet been publicly named, died at the scene.
Ten other people, including more children at the school, were dashed to hospital, where they remain in serious conditions. Study Prep, an independent fee-paying boarding school, caters for more than 300 pupils aged as young as four.
23:54Tim Hanlon
School had ‘celebration’ planned for last day before tragedy struck
A woman has told how a dad said it had supposed to be a “celebration” for the last day of school before the tragedy struck.
“He said it was a year 3 assembly and his daughter was there. They were finishing school today and it was supposed to be a celebration, said the woman, reported The Guardian.
“The parents were all there with the grade 3s and they were all picnicking. They were all sitting on the lawn. The kids are normally in the playground at the back and this was at the front, so the timing is unbelievable.
“The father was very shaken up. He said he saw the car come through the wall.”
Speaking at the scene on Thursday night, Wimbledon MP Stephen Hammond said: “Very concerned to hear about the Study Preparatory School at Camp Road this morning.
“A major incident has been declared and I know all emergency services are on site. My thoughts and prayers go out to everyone at The Study.”
23:31Tim Hanlon
Tearful parents leave flowers by the Wimbledon school
Flowers have been placed near the Wimbledon school, including some left by tearful parents who were pictured in poignant embraces on Thursday afternoon.
Sophia Graham, 27, and Tayla Landsberg, 22, who live nearby, brought flowers to the police cordon. They said: “When we found out one of the kids had died it was awful.
“When the police made their announcement it was so sad to see even them get emotional. It’s made a big impact on everyone. “Kids walk in the Common freely without thinking about it.”
Ms Landsberg said: “It’s usually very peaceful, very bubbly with lots of fun activities going on.”
A woman in her 40s was arrested on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving and remains in police custody.
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Getty Images)
22:48Benedict Tetzlaff-Deas
What do we know about the Wimbledon crash?
An eight-year-old girl was confirmed to have died today when a Land Rover ploughed into a children’s tea party at a prep school in Wimbledon.
A total of 16 people were treated at the scene and 10 were taken to hospital after the incident, the London Ambulance Service said.
The youngest of the children is believed to have been just four years old, and several are understood to be in critical condition in hospital.
In an emotional statement on Thursday evening, The Study Preparatory School said it is still “too soon” to fully understand what happened when the collision took place.
Police removed a Land Rover from outside the school on Thursday evening (
UKNIP UKNIP)
A statement on the school’s website 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.
Downing Street said the Prime Minister’s thoughts were with the family of the girl who died in the “terrifying” Wimbledon school incident.
The Prime Minister’s official spokesman said Rishi Sunak thanked the emergency services for their swift response.
The spokesman said: “The Prime Minister’s deepest condolences are with the family of the girl who has tragically lost her life.
“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.”
22:18Benedict Tetzlaff-Deas
Neighbour describes aftermath of crash
One neighbour – who did not want to be named – told the Mirror’s reporter at the scene earlier: “I was sat at my PC and then all the police cars arrived.
“I didn’t leave the house because you don’t know what might have happened… I had a call from the golf club saying not to come down and telling everyone to go home.
“But it seems more like a tragic accident now.
21:02Benedict Tetzlaff-Deas
Sadiq Khan ‘heartbroken’ by death of girl
Mayor of London Sadiq Khan has released an updated statement after it emerged an eight-year-old girl had died in the Wimbledon tragedy.
It reads: “I’m heartbroken at the news that an 8-year-old girl has so tragically died following the incident at a school in Wimbledon. My thoughts are with her loved ones, the school and wider community at this extremely difficult time and on behalf of all Londoners I want to extend my deepest condolences to them.“
“My heart goes out to everyone affected, including the other children and adults injured as a result of this incident and I wish them all a full recovery.
“The police and other emergency services remain in the area and continue to investigate the full circumstances of the incident which is not being treated as terror related. I want to thank them all for their swift response. The police have also confirmed that a woman has been arrested on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving.
He urged the public to “continue to avoid the area to allow emergency services free access to help all those who need it”, and asked anyone with information to share it with police on 101.
20:55Benedict Tetzlaff-Deas
Several children fighting for life
Several children are understood to be fighting for their life tonight following the tragedy at a preparatory school in Wimbledon.
A total of 16 people were treated by medics after a Land Rover crashed into the school grounds on Thursday morning, with 10 taken to hospital.
The youngest of the victims, whose condition is not known, is thought be aged just 4.
19:39Benedict Tetzlaff-Deas
Crash happened on ‘headteacher’s last day at school’
The fatal Land Rover crash which claimed the life of an eight-year-old girl outside a prep school happened on the headmistress’s final day at the school, it is claimed.
Local reports said the new headteacher was present at the site alongside the outgoing head, Helen Lowe, when the incident occurred.
It had earlier been reported that the tragedy struck during an outdoor tea party to mark the last day of the school term.
19:34Benedict Tetzlaff-Deas
Who has been arrested?
The Metropolitan Police confirmed that the driver of the vehicle, a woman aged in her 40s, was arrested on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving.
Local eyewitnesses earlier claimed she had experienced a medical episode when the crash happened, but this has not been confirmed by police.
18:57Benedict Tetzlaff-Deas
About the school where tragedy took place
The Study Preparatory School in Wimbledon is for girls aged four to 11, and costs £5,565 per term.
It sits on Wimbledon Common, and is located about a mile from where the tennis tournament is currently taking place.
A description on the Good Schools Guide website says it currently teaches around 320 pupils, and its curriculum “fosters a genuine love of learning”.
A large emergency response at The Study Preparatory School in Wimbledon (
PA)
18:43Benedict Tetzlaff-Deas
Land Rover removed from scene
A Land Rover has been removed from The Study Preparatory School in Wimbledon where an eight-year-old girl died earlier on Thursday.
The car, covered in a green tarpaulin, was loaded on a police truck and driven away past broken and bent metal railings.
A police cordon outside the school has been reduced, allowing more access to Wimbledon Common.
Earlier, a flatbed police lorry was given access via the rear of the school.
18:14Benedict Tetzlaff-Deas
Parents’ tears after 16 hit by car on last day of term
Heartbreaking new images have emerged showing parents in tears after a little girl was killed in a horror car crash at a school.
Pupils at The Study Prep School in Wimbledon were reportedly “having a tea party” to celebrate the last day of term this morning when the gold and black Land Rover smashed into the grounds.
Images released later showed people comforting each other outside the school gates as parents came to terms with the tragedy.
Some parents reportedly crossed a police cordon to give their child’s details to officers.
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Getty Images)
17:42Benedict Tetzlaff-Deas
School says it is ‘too soon to fully understand what happened’
The Study Preparatory School say it is still ‘too soon’ to fully understand what happened when a Land Rover claimed the life of an eight-year-old girl this morning.
A statement on the shcool’s website 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.
“Now that a police investigation is underway we will not be making any further public statement for the time being and would ask that the privacy of our school community is respected at this deeply upsetting time.”
17:32Benedict Tetzlaff-Deas
Flatbed police lorry arrives at scene
A flatbed police lorry has arrived at the school in Wimbledon, south London, where an eight-year-old died this morning after a collision with a Land Rover.
The police cordon was briefly lifted to allow the vehicle to pass through West Place, which is located behind The Study Preparatory School.
17:14Benedict Tetzlaff-Deas
Aerial view of school where crash happened
Aerial photographs have been released of The Study Prep School in Wimbledon, where today’s tragedy took place.
An eight-year-old girl lost her life and 16 people were left injured this monring when a Land Rover Defender crashed into the school grounds during an a end-of-term tea party.
16:55KEY EVENT
Police commander’s statement in full
Detective Chief Superintendent Clair Kelland from the Metropolitan Police was seen on the verge of tears earlier[6] as she confirmed that an eight-year-old girl had died in today’s crash.
She is policing commander for south-west London.
Standing near to the scene of the crash with other emergency services staff members of the school community, she said: “I am here to give you an update following today’s tragic incident here in Wimbledon.
“We were called shortly before 10 o’clock this morning after a car collided with a building at The Study Preparatory School, behind me in Camp Road.
“A large number of our officers were deployed to the scene, along with paramedics from the London Ambulance Service and London’s Air Ambulance.
“Our officers, along with our colleagues from the other emergency services, provided first aid to a number of people who had been injured.
“Very sadly, one of the children, an eight-year-old girl, died at the scene.
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PA)
“Our thoughts are with her family at this incredibly difficult time.
“The driver of the car, a woman aged in her 40s, stopped at the scene.
“She was arrested on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving and has been taken into custody.
“This is a very difficult time for everyone here at the school and across the wider community.
“We would ask people not to speculate while we work to understand the full circumstances of what has happened.
“We are not treating this incident as terror related.
“Our officers have already spoken to a number of witnesses and have viewed CCTV.
“If anyone has any information about what happened, please contact us as soon as possible by calling 101, or speaking to officers here at the scene.”
16:50Benedict Tetzlaff-Deas
Tom Tugendhat says crash is ‘heartbreaking’
Security Minister Tom Tugendhat has described the crash which killed an eight-year-old girl at a Wimbledon school as ‘heartbreaking’.
Reacting to the Metropolitan Police’s confirmation that a child had died, he wrote on Twitter: “Heartbreaking news. My thoughts are with the students at The Study School and their loved ones.
“Thank you to the emergency services for their rapid response.”
16:42Benedict Tetzlaff-Deas
Local council issues statement
A new statement has been issued by Merton Council, which covers the London borough where this morning’s crash took place.
Council Leader Ross Garrod said: “The thoughts of all of us at the council are with everyone affected by this devastating incident. Our hearts go out to the family of the girl who tragically died, and all those who were injured. Council staff have been on the scene throughout the day working alongside the emergency services and will continue to do so.
“Our priority over the coming hours and days will be to keep supporting the school and this incredibly tight-knit community. We will provide further updates as soon as we can.”
The council had earlier asked people to avoid the area to allow free access to the emergency services.
16:36Benedict Tetzlaff-Deas
Suella Braverman ‘saddened’ by Wimbledon crash
Home Secretary Suella Braverman earlier issued a statement on today’s crash at a school in Wimbledon.
She posted a tweet at 12.44pm, with police confirming just two under hours later that an eight-year-old girl had died. A total of 16 people have also been left injured.
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.
— Suella Braverman MP (@SuellaBraverman) July 6, 2023[7]
16:25Benedict Tetzlaff-Deas
Prime Minister offers condolences after ‘terrifying’ incident
Downing Street said the Prime Minister’s thoughts were with the family of the girl who died in the “terrifying” Wimbledon school incident.
The Prime Minister’s official spokesman said Rishi Sunak thanked the emergency services for their swift response.
The spokesman said: “The Prime Minister’s deepest condolences are with the family of the girl who has tragically lost her life.
“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.”
16:21Benedict Tetzlaff-Deas
Crash was on ‘last day of school term’
The tragic car crash which claimed the life of an eight-year-old girl happened on the very last day of term, reports the BBC.
Pupils at The Study Prep School in Wimbledon were reportedly “having a tea party” this morning when the gold and black Land Rover smashed through the gates.
The Metropolitan Police have said a woman in her 40s had been arrested on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving.
16:10Benedict Tetzlaff-Deas
Part of school hit in crash ‘was new building’
The part of a school building hit in the fatal crash in Wimbledon today had only been built around one year earlier, local reports have said.
One parent of a former pupil at The Study Prep school said: “It’s unbelievable. I heard about it this morning, it’s terribly sad. I just feel very emotional.
“It’s a good school. It’s not really an academic boiler house, it’s a really nice, balanced school.
“The building that was crashed into is a new building, I think it’s only been there for about a year.”
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Peter Macdiarmid/LNP)
15:41Chiara Fiorillo
School community ‘profoundly affected’ by tragedy
The chairman of the board of governors at the Study Prep School where an eight-year-old girl died when a car crashed into a building said the community is “profoundly affected” by the tragedy.
During a press conference at the scene in Wimbledon, John Tucker said: “As you’ll perhaps appreciate, the school community is profoundly affected by this tragedy”.
Mr Tucker declined to comment further as he stood beside the school’s headmistress Helen Lowe, who was holding hands with head mistress-elect Sharon Maher.
15:30Chiara Fiorillo
Officer’s condolence message after girl’s death
Detective Chief Superintendent Clair Kelland’s voice broke as she told reporters at the scene: “Very sadly one of the children, an eight-year-old girl, died at the scene.
“Our thoughts are with her family at this incredibly difficult time.”
Detective Chief Superintendent Clair Kelland was emotional while reading out a statement
15:15Chiara Fiorillo
16 people treated at scene and 10 taken to hospital
A total of 16 patients were treated at the scene and 10 were taken to hospital after the incident, chief paramedic John Martin from the London Ambulance Service said.
He said: “At 9.54 we received a 999 call to a collision on Camp Road in Wimbledon.
“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.”
References
- ^ The Study Prep School (www.mirror.co.uk)
- ^ Land Rover crash (www.mirror.co.uk)
- ^ school (www.mirror.co.uk)
- ^ here (www.mirror.co.uk)
- ^ Read the full story here (www.mirror.co.uk)
- ^ was seen on the verge of tears earlier (www.mirror.co.uk)
- ^ July 6, 2023 (twitter.com)