Flowers and tributes have been laid outside Wimbledon primary school The Study Prep today, following yesterday’s horrific incident that took the life of an eight-year-old girl.
16 others were left injured when a Land Rover crashed into a tea party to celebrate the end of term in the grounds of the school, just before 10am.
The driver of the vehicle, a woman aged in her 40s, was arrested on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving and remains in custody.
12 people were taken to hospital after the incident.
In a statement on its website, the school says it is ‘profoundly shocked’ and ‘devastated’ by what happened.
It added: “Our thoughts are with the bereaved family and with the families of those injured at this terrible time.
“It is still far too soon to fully understand what happened, but we are well aware of the significant impact this dreadful event will have on our pupils and their families.
“Their welfare remains our top priority and we will be doing everything we can to support them, especially those who suffered injuries.”
Wimbledon MP Stephen Hammond said: “I know our community continues to be shocked by yesterday’s awful accident at The Study Preparatory School. I send my sympathy and condolences to the family of the child who tragically lost their life, my thoughts and prayers are with them.
“Further updates will be forthcoming from the Emergency Services and Merton Council.
“In the coming days and weeks, I will be working to support all those involved in any way I can.
“My thoughts and prayers continue to be with those in hospitals, receiving treatment, and with the families and friends of those impacted.
“I want to extend my thanks to all the emergency services who attended the scene and the diligent and hardworking staff behind the scenes – including at St George’s and Queen Mary’s Hospitals.”
Local police commander for south west London Detective Chief Superintendent Clair Kelland said: “This is tragic news and our thoughts are with the girl’s family and friends, and everyone affected today.”
Detective Chief Superintendent Clair Kelland giving a statement at the scene
Mayor of London Sadiq Khan said: “I’m heartbroken at the news that an eight-year-old girl has so tragically died following the incident at a school in Wimbledon.
“My thoughts are with her loved ones, the school and wider community at this extremely difficult time, and on behalf of all Londoners I want to extend my deepest condolences to them.
“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.”
Chief paramedic for London Ambulance Service, Dr John Martin said yesterday: “Our thoughts are with all of those involved in this morning’s tragic incident.
“At 9.54am we received the first of a number of 999 calls to a collision on Camp Road, Wimbledon.
“We dispatched multiple resources, including specialist critical care paramedics, London’s Air Ambulance and 15 ambulances. We declared a major incident and stood up a specialist operations centre.
“We treated 16 patients on scene. Sadly, one eight year-old died. We conveyed 12 patients to hospital.
“I would like to want to thank our staff who worked so hard and tirelessly whilst on scene, and also to the school staff and members of the public who helped in those early moments.
“Our hearts go out to all those involved in today’s tragic incident.”
Tooting MP Dr Rosena Allin-Khan said: “Very saddened to hear about the incident at a primary school in Wimbledon, this morning.
“Thinking about all those affected and their families. Thank you to the emergency services for their quick response.”
Ian Hewitt, chairman of the All England Lawn Tennis Club, left flowers at the scene. He told reporters: “We feel closely associated with the community.
“What a tragic incident. We just offer our heartfelt sympathies to all affected.”
