A DRIVER who plowed into a school last year killing two eight-year-old girls will not face charges – and their parents say their daughters “deserved better”.
Selena Lau and Nuria Sajjad, both 8, died after the horror at The Study Prep School in Wimbledon, south-west London.
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The Land Rover crashed through the fence and hit the children who were at the tea partyCredit: LNP
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Nuria Sajjad died in a terrible accident Credits: Collect
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Selena Lau, 8, died after the horror on July 6 at The Study Prep School in Wimbledon, south-west LondonCredit: PA
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Tragedy struck on July 6, 2023 when two girls diedCredit: Getty
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The driver was having an epileptic seizure while behind the wheel, CPS says. Credit: Paul Edwards
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The driver of the 4×4 will not face charges, the CPS says. Credits: UKNIP
A 46-year-old woman was arrested at the scene.
The driver had an epileptic seizure behind the wheel, the Crown Prosecution Service said.
There is no evidence that the driver had ever had a similar seizure before and that she had no previously diagnosed medical condition, CPS added.
The parents of the two murdered girls said they were “still not convinced that the investigation was carried out thoroughly”, adding that “Nuria and Selena deserved better”.
Emergency services rushed to the preparatory school after the 4×4 crashed through the fence, crashed into the teahouse and collided with the school building.
A major incident was declared as more than 30 police vehicles and 15 ambulances were dispatched to the scene.
More than fifteen others were injured in the accident, including a seven-month-old girl.
Jaswant Narwal, Chief Crown Prosecutor overseeing the Homicide Unit of the Crown Prosecution Service in London, said: “The death of a child is an unimaginable tragedy for any parent.
“On behalf of the Crown Prosecution Service, I offer my sincere and sincere condolences to both bereaved families who have suffered the devastating loss of their children, Nuria and Selena.
“We have carefully considered this complex and sensitive case, taking into account all the material gathered as part of a lengthy and detailed police investigation.
“The driver of the vehicle had an epileptic seizure behind the wheel, due to which she lost control of the vehicle, which then ran into the school.
“There is no evidence that the driver had ever had a similar seizure before and that she did not have a previously diagnosed medical condition.
“As there is nothing to suggest that the driver could have done anything to foresee or prevent this tragedy, it is not in the public interest to prosecute.”
Narwal added that they reviewed the driver’s full medical records and took evidence from a neurologist, who agreed that the driver had suffered a seizure and that this was the first such medical episode she had experienced.
CPS members have met with bereaved families on several occasions to keep them informed of progress and to fully explain all decisions made.
Detective Chief Superintendent Clair Kelland, in charge of South West London Police, said: “This was a deeply tragic incident, the circumstances of which have caused widespread shock and sadness.
“The families of Nuria and Selena – who we know are dearly loved and missed – are always in our thoughts, but especially in light of this development.”
Both families were being supported by specialist family liaison officers and the Met Police said they would continue to support them.
Kelland added: “Following a lengthy, detailed and complex investigation, the evidence file has been passed to the CPS to consider whether charges are appropriate.”
The investigations carried out and a review of her medical records established that she could not have predicted or prevented the incident.
She continued: “I can understand that some may be confused – perhaps even feel let down – by this outcome, and I want to give every assurance that our officers have worked tirelessly on every detail of the incident to ensure that a full investigation is referred to the CPS.
“In order to bring charges in cases like this, there must be an element of responsibility on the part of the driver, and given the circumstances, this was simply not proven on this occasion.”
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Floral tributes to the two girls were left at the school Credits: Peter Jordan
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A major incident has been declared following the crash which saw more than 30 police vehicles sent to the scene and 15 ambulances Credit: Ray Collins
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