Wimbledon: Police Reopen Investigation into Fatal School Crash
- An internal review by the Metropolitan Police was initiated after the Crown Prosecution Service opted not to prosecute the driver in a tragic school crash that occurred last year.
- The incident at a school in Wimbledon involved a Land Rover crashing during an end-of-year party, resulting in the death of two 8-year-old girls and injuries to several others.
- The investigation has been reopened to explore further lines of inquiry, addressing lingering questions from the families affected by this devastating event.
On July 6, 2023, a devastating car crash at Study Prep School in Wimbledon resulted in the deaths of two 8-year-old girls, Selena Lau and Nuria Sajjad. The incident happened during a school event, where a Land Rover, driven by Claire Freemantle, veered off course and struck the children. Emergency services treated numerous individuals onsite, but tragically, one girl died instantly while the other succumbed to her injuries days later. Following the crash, an internal review by the Metropolitan Police was launched after the Crown Prosecution Service determined that Freemantle would not face charges due to an unforeseen epileptic seizure that caused her loss of control. The lack of prior incidents reported regarding Freemantle’s health was cited as a contributing factor to this decision. However, families of the victims voiced their dissatisfaction, believing that the investigation lacked comprehensiveness, leading to their call for further action. In response to public pressure and ongoing concerns, the Metropolitan Police announced a reopening of the investigation. Scotland Yard indicated that a senior investigating officer, with experience in homicide cases, would lead the renewed efforts. This move aims to explore various lines of inquiry and provide transparency to bereaved families. The reopening reflects an attempt to restore faith in the investigative process and address unresolved questions regarding safety and accountability. As the investigation progresses, families hope for clarity and justice surrounding the tragic event.