Flowers and heartfelt tributes have been left near The Study Preparatory School in Wimbledon as the community mourns the loss of a young girl who tragically died in a car crash. The incident occurred yesterday morning (July 6) when a Land Rover collided with the school building on Camp Road, leaving 16 others injured.
A woman in her 40s, believed to be the driver of the vehicle, was arrested on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving. The driver stopped at the scene, and the police have urged the public not to speculate on the incident as investigations continue.
The news of the young girl’s death has deeply impacted the local community. New Malden residents Sophia Graham, 27, and Tayla Landsberg, 22, visited the police cordon to pay their respects. They expressed their sorrow upon learning about the tragic loss, emphasizing how it had affected everyone in the area.
Graham and Landsberg stated, “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.”
Describing the atmosphere in the area, Landsberg added, “It’s usually very peaceful, very bubbly with lots of fun activities going on.”
London Mayor Sadiq Khan expressed his condolences to the family of the young girl and offered his thoughts to the school and the wider community. He stated, “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.
In a statement posted on its website, The Study Preparatory School expressed their shock and devastation over the accident. They conveyed their condolences to the bereaved family and the injured, highlighting the significant impact the incident has had on their pupils and families. The school affirmed that the welfare of the students remained their top priority and assured the community that they would provide the necessary support during this distressing time.
The Metropolitan Police confirmed that the incident is not being treated as terrorism-related and that investigations are ongoing.
As the community continues to process the tragic event, the floral tributes serve as a poignant reminder of the young life lost and the support for those affected.
