Car crashes into a school in Wimbledon, here’s everything we know

In the morning of Thursday 6 July, news broke that a car had crashed into a school in Wimbledon.

Discover our latest podcast

The police responded to a call at 9:54am and news reported that the accident happened at The Study Preparatory School in Camp Road. ITV reports that at the moment the incident is not being considered or treated as ‘terror-related.’

#UPDATE | Officers are responding to an incident at a primary school in Camp Road, Wimbledon.

We were called at 09:54hrs to reports that a car collided with a building at the school.

Several people are being treated at the scene. We will share further updates when we can.
— Merton Police (@MPSMerton) July 6, 2023

An eight year old girl died

MP Stephen Hammond reported that several people are ‘critically injured.’ In his initial statement, he said that there were nine people injured including seven children. Later on in the day, it was revealed that 'paramedics treated 16 people for injuries' and that an 'eight year old girl had died.' The BBC has revealed on 7 July, that the children were gathered for 'end-of-year celebration party in the garden.'

Hammond’s statement said:

Since being declared by the local police a major incident, you’ve seen that we’ve had fire, air ambulance, ambulance and police on the scene… this is a very serious incident.

The school was hit by a Land Rover. Images of the scene show that the car drove through the wooden fence that surrounds the courtyard, traveled the whole length of the yard and then collided against the wall of the school.

School located close to Wimbledon stadium

While not being treated as ‘terror-related’, MP Hammond said that the school is located in an ‘area where you wouldn’t see very much speeding.’

The driver has been revealed to be a woman in her 40s. She has been arrested 'on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving.' According to ITV, the driver remains in custody on Friday 7 July and is being questioned.

The BBCalleges that the driver could have suffered a 'medical incident.'

The school is currently following a strict ‘no comment’ policy. On 7 July, on the school's website, you can see a message that reads:

We are profoundly shocked by the tragic accident this morning at Wilberforce House and devastated that it has claimed the life of one of our young pupils as well as injuring several others. Our thoughts are with the bereaved family and with the families of those injured at this terrible time.

Their welfare remains our top priority and we will be doing everything we can to support them, especially those who suffered injuries

Now that a police investigation is underway we will not be making any further public statement for the time being

The police has now reviewed CCTV and interrogated witnesses in order to have a clearer view on what really happened this morning.

A statement said:

An investigation is under way to understand the full circumstances of what has taken place

It has been reported by the BBC that parents of the school 'were turning up all morning' and were asked by the police to register their names.

The school is located ‘just a mile away’ from where the tennis tournament is currently happening.

Car crashes into primary school in Wimbledon with ‘several people hurt’ #Car #crashes https://t.co/UVp9fCXLgD
— WhatsNew2Day (@whatsn2day) July 6, 2023