A second girl has sadly died after the car crash at a school in Wimbledon, south London, with her family paying tribute to the ‘light’ of their lives.
Students at The Study Preparatory School were taking part in an end-of-term tea party on 6 July when a Land Rover crashed over the school boundary, injuring a total of 16 people.
Ambulances arrived at the school and a 46-year-old woman was arrested, with the Metropolitan Police announcing the death of eight-year-old student Selena Lau shortly after.
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It has now been confirmed that a second girl, also eight, has tragically died following the incident, having passed away yesterday (Sunday 9 July).
In a statement issued via police, the family of Nuria Sajjad said: “It is with profound sorrow that we announce the passing of our beloved Nuria on Sunday, 9 July 2023.
“Nuria was the light of our lives. She embodied joy, kindness and generosity and she was loved by all around her.
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“We would like to thank the efforts of the emergency services, all the extraordinary staff at St George’s Hospital, the parents of Nuria’s class fellows and staff of the Study Prep for all they have done to ease Nuria’s journey.
“We request that our privacy is respected at this difficult time.”
Lau’s family also released a statement, saying she was ‘adored’ by everyone who knew her.
"Selena was an intelligent and cheeky girl adored and loved by everyone,” they said.
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“The family wishes their privacy to be respected at this sad time."
The Study Preparatory School, which teaches girls aged 4 to 11, responded to the incident in a statement on its website.
"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," it read.
"Our thoughts are with the bereaved family and with the families of those injured at this terrible time."
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In the wake of the crash, a woman in her 40s remains in hospital in a serious condition.
A number of others - including a seven-month-old girl - were also taken to hospital with injuries, later assessed as non-life threatening.
The driver of the car, a 46-year-old woman from Wimbledon, was arrested at the scene on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving.
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After being taken to hospital, her condition was assessed as non-life threatening, with police saying she has been bailed to a date in late July pending further inquiries.
As the investigation continues, Detective Chief Superintendent Kelland encouraged people not to speculate on the details of the crash, while investigators 'work to understand the full circumstances of what has happened during this tragic incident'.
Jess Hardiman