A woman in her twenties has died and two others have been injured after a van ploughed into pedestrians on the Strand in central London, police have confirmed.
Emergency services were called to the scene at 11:41am on Tuesday following reports of a collision involving a van and multiple pedestrians near WC2, close to the entrance of King’s College London.
Despite the efforts of paramedics, one woman was tragically pronounced dead at the scene. Two other pedestrians were taken to hospital—one is believed to have sustained potentially life-threatening injuries, while the other suffered minor injuries.
The driver of the van, a 26-year-old man, was arrested at the scene on suspicion of causing death by careless driving and driving while over the legal limit for a specified controlled drug. He remains in police custody.
A spokesperson for the Metropolitan Police said: “Officers attended along with colleagues from the London Ambulance Service and London Fire Brigade. Sadly, a woman in her twenties was pronounced dead at the scene. Enquiries are ongoing and a crime scene remains in place.”
The incident is not being treated as terrorism-related.
A cordon has been set up around the area, with significant disruption to traffic and public access. The Strand is currently closed westbound from Surrey Street to Waterloo Bridge.
Police have urged anyone who witnessed the incident or may have dashcam footage to come forward as investigations continue.
King’s College London has said it is liaising with emergency services and monitoring the situation closely.
