A heavily pregnant woman and her unborn child were tragically killed in a collision involving an unmarked police car in Eltham on October 17. The crash occurred at 6:15 pm on the A20, near the junction with Kidbrooke Park Road.
The unmarked police vehicle collided with the woman’s car, leading to a fatal accident. This incident marks the second fatality on Kidbrooke Park Road this month, following the death of a pedestrian in her 60s in a motorbike crash on October 1.
Emergency services, including the London Fire Brigade, London Ambulance Service, and the Hazardous Area Response Team (HART), were quickly dispatched to the scene. London’s Air Ambulance was also called in to assist. The area was cordoned off as crews worked to manage the incident.
A spokesperson for the London Fire Brigade confirmed that two people were trapped in the vehicles following the crash. “Firefighters worked to release two people who had become trapped as a result of the incident and carried out operations to make the scene safe. The Brigade was first called about the collision at 6:21 pm, and the incident was over for crews by 8:09 pm. Firefighters from Eltham and Lewisham fire stations attended the scene.”
The Metropolitan Police described the victim as a 38-year-old woman who was “heavily pregnant” and confirmed she was the sole passenger in her vehicle. Photos shared on social media depicted the aftermath, showing severely damaged cars with their roofs cut off.
Witnesses at the scene described the crash as chaotic. One witness, who visited the site to pay tribute, said she saw the vehicle flip over multiple times. Her vehicle was hit and it rolled over three times. It’s so sad. I never saw so many police and ambulance before. I saw paramedics in the middle of the road.”
Another bystander, who chose to remain anonymous, added, “We came rushing out once we heard a loud bang, it was chaos. My thoughts are with the woman’s family.”
The London Ambulance Service confirmed that the woman, along with three other individuals, was taken to a major trauma centre. The other patients included two police officers from the unmarked car and another man. Both officers have since been discharged from the hospital. Sadly, the pregnant woman and her unborn baby succumbed to their injuries.
Tributes have been laid at the roadside, including flowers and candles. One note read: “My deepest thoughts are with you and your baby, your family and friends. The most awful tragedy that should never have happened. Rest in peace beautiful and your baby.”
A family friend described her as “the most lovely person ever, the most caring person ever.”
Tyre skid marks were visible at the crash site, and the road, which had been closed for more than 12 hours, reopened on the morning of October 18. Yellow markings were seen on the road, indicating the movement of the vehicle before the collision.
The Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) has launched an investigation into the incident, with investigators sent to the scene to gather evidence. The IOPC has appealed for witnesses to come forward with any information or footage related to the crash.
Anyone with information is urged to contact IOPC investigators by calling 0300 303 5610 or emailing [email protected].
