Driver re-arrested over Wimbledon school crash that killed two girls

In southwest London, an investigation has been reopened regarding a crash that occurred at a primary school on July 6, 2023, during an end-of-term celebration. The tragic incident took the lives of two eight-year-old girls, Nuria Sajjad and Selena Lau, who were attending a picnic with their classmates and parents. A 48-year-old woman driving a black and gold Land Rover Defender crashed through the school’s fence, leading to the fatalities of the girls. Initially, it was claimed that the driver, Claire Freemantle, had experienced an epileptic seizure at the wheel, and therefore she was not charged after the crash. However, her case was reopened last year following significant concerns raised by the families of the victims, who felt the initial investigation did not address their questions satisfactorily. As a result of the renewed scrutiny, the Metropolitan Police began an internal review to examine the investigation's previous conduct. The review revealed new lines of inquiry that warranted further investigation, prompting the case to be moved to the Specialist Crime Command. In January 2025, Freemantle was arrested again, this time on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving. She remains in police custody while further inquiries are conducted. The Detective Superintendent Lewis Basford highlighted the importance of obtaining witness statements and noted that police believed there were individuals who had yet to come forward with information related to the incident. The parents of the deceased girls have been vocal about their disappointment with how the case was handled after they lost their children in the crash. They expressed feelings of inadequacy in the response from law enforcement and have publicly demanded a thorough and transparent investigation. This situation has amplified concerns within the community, particularly surrounding road safety and the procedures followed during such investigations. This incident not only raised questions about the accountability of drivers in similar situations but also about how systemic failures in the investigation process can affect bereaved families seeking justice. It illustrates the complexities that arise when emotional distress intersects with legal proceedings, particularly in cases where the victims are children. The ongoing situation serves as a critical reminder of the need for diligence in road safety regulations and the necessity of a transparent investigative process to provide closure for families affected by such tragedies.