Wimbledon school crash update: Second girl dies as third victim fights for life
Schoolgirl Nuria died of injuries on Sunday after classmate Selena died on day of crash
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Another eight-year-old girl who has now died after a Land Rover ploughed through an end-of-term tea party at a Wimbledon primary school has been named as Nuria Sajjad.
Nuria was left fighting for her life in hospital after the crash at The Study prep school on Thursday morning.
The Metropolitan Police has now confirmed the schoolgirl died of her injuries on Sunday, after her classmate Selena Lau was killed on the day of the crash, while a woman in her forties remains in hospital in a life-threatening condition.
Nuria’s family has paid tribute to the “beloved” eight-year-old, saying she was the “light of our lives”. Selena’s family described her as “an intelligent and cheeky girl adored and loved by everyone”.
At least 10 others were rushed to hospital after the incident, which saw dozens of emergency responders scrambled to the scene and a major incident declared, with 16 injured in total - including a seven-month-old baby.
The driver, a 46-year-old woman, who was arrested on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving, has been released on bail.
Have you been affected by this incident? If so email tara.cobham@independent.co.uk.
Everything we know about Wimbledon school crash as two girls, aged 8, killed and 15 injured
A second girl succumbed to her injuries after a Land Rover crashed through a school fence in London on Thursday last week.
Police identified the eight-year-old as Nuria Sajjad.
Her family said in a statement: “It is with profound sorrow that we announce the passing of our beloved Nuria on Sunday 9 July 2023. Nuria was the light of our lives. She embodied joy, kindness and generosity and she was loved by all around her.”
Sadiq Khan, the mayor of London tweeted: “My heart goes out to the family of eight-year-old Nuria Sajjad and everyone affected by this tragic incident.”
Read more:
Everything we know about Wimbledon school crash as two girls killed and 15 injured
Land Rover crashes through fence of Study Preparatory School in Wimbledon
In pictures: Community responds to Wimbledon school crash
Four days have now passed since the Metropolitan Police responded to reports a car had crashed into a school in Wimbledon.
London Fire Brigade attended the scene on Thursday morning, along with 15 ambulances and an air ambulance.
The powerful 4x4, being driven by a woman, smashed through the fence and into a group of children who were understood to have been sitting on the grass enjoying a party in the garden. Police said the driver of the vehicle stopped at the scene but would not confirm any more about the possible cause of the crash.
Last week, the community was pictured responding with a minute’s silence, flowers and teddy bears.
Who are the victims?
Selena Lau and Nuria Sajjad, both 8, died following the crash while 15 others were injured in the incident.
Issuing a picture of Selena beaming at the camera in her school uniform, her parents said in a brief statement issued through the Metropolitan Police: “Selena was an intelligent and cheeky girl adored and loved by everyone.
“The family wishes their privacy to be respected at this sad time.”
Some 10 people were taken to hospital, including Nuria, while a woman in her 40s was in a critical condition on Friday.
Police also confirmed that a seven-month-old baby was taken to hospital, though their injuries are not thought to be life-threatening.
Education secretary Gillian Keegan said she was “shocked and saddened” at the second death. “My thoughts are with Nuria’s family and loved ones at this truly awful time,” she tweeted.
After the second death was announced, Wimbledon MP Stephen Hammond said: “I am so saddened to hear that another young girl has lost her life. My thoughts and prayers are with Nuria’s family and friends as well as the staff at St George’s who have been working tirelessly and the wider school community.”
Where is the school?
Wilberforce House, The Study Preparatory School, is located on Camp Road in Wimbledon, South London.
The school, which costs £5,565 per term, is for girls aged four to 11 and sits on Wimbledon Common. It is just a mile away from the All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club as it hosts the world-famous tennis tournament.
Wimbledon resident Julie Atwood said: “My daughter used to go to this school. It’s a girls’ school. Wimbledon is like a little village. For this to happen in Wimbledon is unheard of. It’s terrible.”
What have parents and the community said?
Cordons were removed on Friday to allow pupils and parents to leave tributes to those involved.
A woman wearing a blue sling around her arm visited the scene and left flowers in a box and a note that read: “Dear Selena, you will always be our shining star. We will miss you so much.”
Another tribute left at the scene said: “To the Study and parents. So sorry for this tragic loss to the school and the family. Forever in our thoughts.”
Ian Hewitt, chair of the All England Lawn Tennis club, said: “We feel closely associated with the community. What a tragic incident - we just offer our heartfelt sympathies to all affected.”
Members of the Wimbledon Common Golf Club, which is opposite the school and was where an emergency response centre was set up at the height of the incident, held a minute’s silence on Friday.
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