Wimbledon crash: The Study Prep School says it is ‘profoundly shocked’ in statement after girl, 8, killed at tea party
THE school where an eight-year-old girl was killed when a Land Rover ploughed through a playground this morning say their community is “devastated”.
Pupils at The Study prep school in Wimbledon, South West London, were said to be having a tea party on the last day of term when the 4×4 smashed through a fence and into a building.
Police confirmed a girl, just eight, died in the 10am horror while 16 people were treated for injuries at the scene with 12 of those taken to hospital.
The driver of the vehicle, a woman in her 40s, was arrested at the scene on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving.
In a statement published on their website, The Study said the incident has had a “significant impact” on pupils and families.
The private school added: “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.
“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.
“Now that a police investigation is under way we will not be making any further public statement for the time being and would ask that the privacy of our school community is respected at this deeply upsetting time.”
John Tucker, chairman of the board of governors at the school, added The Study had been “profoundly affected by this tragedy” and is “not in a position” to comment further.
A local said they believed it was headmistress Helen Lowe’s last day at the school.
Ms Lowe was so overcome by emotion she was unable to speak to reporters on Thursday as she held hands with future headmistress Sharon Maher.
Shocking pictures show the Land Rover rammed into the side of the building leaving part of the school caved in.
The crash is not being treated as terror-related and an investigation into the circumstances is ongoing.
Up to 20 ambulances, an air ambulance and multiple fire engines were at the scene on Thursday.
A local added: “It’s terrible, the children were sat on the grass with their teachers for the end of the school year having a tea party.
“We think a local resident was coming down from the Royal Wimbledon Golf Club and crashed through the fence.”
And one golfer told The Sun he was asked to leave Wimbledon Common Golf Club – a separate club next to the school – following the horror.
He said their clubhouse was open those who witnessed the incident, adding: “Police and teachers are in there.
“They are absolutely traumatised.”
Detective Chief Superintendent Clair Kelland fought back tears as she spoke to reporters on Thursday.
She said: “Very sadly, one of the children, an eight-year-old girl, died at the scene.
“This is tragic news and our thoughts are with the girl’s family and friends, and everyone affected today.
“We remain at the scene and are continuing our investigation into the full circumstances of the incident.”