A stunning piece of wall art has been created in tribute to nine-year-old Ada Bicakci, who tragically lost her life following a bus crash in Bexleyheath. Ada and her five-year-old brother were hit by a bus on Watling Street at 9:05 am on August 3. The siblings were with a family member at the time.
Ada was taken to the hospital with life-threatening injuries and tragically passed away on August 5. Her younger brother was also taken to the hospital but only as a precaution.
In the weeks following the devastating incident, heartfelt messages began appearing on a wall at the crash site, paying tribute to the young gymnast. One message read, “RIP Ada. We will always love you,” while another note said, “Rest in Peace forever young princess. Sleep with the angels.”
The tribute site has become a gathering place for flowers and handwritten notes, expressing the community’s grief and support for the Bicakci family. Ada, who was a Turkish and British national, lived in the area with her family and attended a Turkish school in southeast London. She was a keen gymnast and swimmer.
In a remarkable act of generosity, Ada’s organs were donated, helping six other children in need of transplants following her death. Her family has announced plans for a multi-faith funeral to honour her memory.
The driver of the bus involved in the collision was arrested on suspicion of causing serious injury through dangerous driving and drug driving. He has been released on bail until early November as investigations continue.
Rosie Trew, Head of Bus Service Delivery at Transport for London (TfL), expressed deep sympathy for Ada’s family and friends. “This will be an unimaginably awful time for their family. We are working with the police and the bus operator, Arriva, to investigate urgently the circumstances of the collision,” she said.
Police are urging anyone with information about the incident to come forward and contact them by calling 101, quoting reference CAD 2309/03AUG.
