Woman Dies After Van Ploughs into Pedestrians on The Strand
A woman in her 20s has tragically died after a van mounted the pavement and struck multiple pedestrians on The Strand in central London. Two others were rushed to hospital following the shocking crash near King’s College London and Somerset House.
Van Driver Arrested on Suspicion of Drug Driving
The incident unfolded at around 11:41am on Tuesday. The Metropolitan Police confirmed a 26-year-old man, believed to be the van driver, was arrested on suspicion of causing death by careless driving and driving under the influence of drugs. He remains in police custody.
Emergency crews found a grey van with heavy front-end damage at the scene. Paramedics treated victims on the pavement as forensic teams set up nearby.
“Three pedestrians suffered injuries, with a woman in her twenties sadly pronounced dead at the scene. The driver of the van was arrested and remains in custody. This incident is not being treated as terrorism-related,” the Met said.
Chaos on The Strand as Emergency Services Rush to Scene
The London Ambulance Service deployed ambulance crews, advanced paramedics, a clinical team manager, and air ambulance. Despite their efforts, one woman died at the scene. Two others were taken to hospital—one with potentially life-threatening injuries, the other with minor wounds. A fourth person was treated on site and released.
The London Fire Brigade sent two fire engines and 10 firefighters to assist. The incident was declared over for fire crews by 1:04pm.
The Strand Closed — Witnesses Describe Horror
The Strand remains closed westbound between Surrey Street and Waterloo Bridge. Bus routes including the 9 and 23 have been diverted.
King’s College students described the chaotic scene. PhD student Ali, 28, said: “At first I thought it was a protest because we get those outside campus. But then I saw stretchers. Knowing someone died is heartbreaking — we walk by that crossing every day.”
Witnesses say the van hit a group of pedestrians, some young, with police comforting people at the roadside.
Police Urge Witnesses to Come Forward
Officers are appealing for anyone with dashcam footage or information to contact them. Call 101 quoting CAD 2771/18MAR or reach out via @MetCC on social media.
