Tragedy struck in London as a pedestrian, identified as Catherine Finnegan, originally from County Galway, lost her life in a bus crash at London Victoria Bus Station during rush hour. The incident occurred at approximately 9 a.m., prompting land and air ambulance crews to respond. Unfortunately, despite their valiant efforts, Ms Finnegan was pronounced dead at the scene.
The 46-year-old woman driving the bus involved in the collision was taken to the hospital but has since been discharged.
Ms Finnegan’s family described her as their ‘beloved daughter, sister, partner, most adored auntie and treasured friend.’ Known as Kathleen, she was remembered as a unique and vibrant individual with a quick wit and a bright, clever personality. Her family noted that she had a boundless energy, an enthusiasm for life, and a joyful spirit that lit up any room.
The incident has reopened painful memories as it occurred three years after a similar accident at the same station in 2021. In that previous incident, a bus driver accidentally pressed the accelerator instead of the brake pedal, causing the death of Melissa Burr.
Multiple Metropolitan police units, officers from the British Transport Police, and the London Ambulance Service responded swiftly to the incident. Despite their best efforts, Ms Finnegan was declared deceased at 9.26 a.m., while the bus driver was taken to the hospital.
The area was cordoned off, and specialist police traffic investigators arrived to examine the collision’s circumstances.
London Mayor Sadiq Khan expressed his condolences and referred to the incident as an ‘awful tragedy.’ He emphasized the importance of allowing the bereaved family to receive information about the incident first and assured that a full investigation was underway.
Three years before Ms. Finnegan’s death, Melissa Burr lost her life at Victoria Railway Station when a bus driver pressed the accelerator instead of the brake. The tragic accident prompted safety improvements at Victoria bus station, including changes to pedestrian crossings and tactile paving to enhance accessibility for partially sighted passengers.
This recent incident has left the community in mourning and underscores the ongoing need for vigilance and safety enhancements in public transportation areas.
