Driver who ploughed 4×4 into school killing two girls, aged 8, during tea party will face no criminal charges
THE driver of a 4×4 that ploughed into a school last year, killing two eight-year-old girls, will face no criminal charges.
Selena Lau and Nuria Sajjad, both 8, died following the horror at The Study Prep School in Wimbledon, South West London.
A 46-year-old woman was arrested at the scene.
The motorist had an epileptic seizure at the wheel, the Crown Prosecution Service said.
There is no evidence the driver had ever suffered a similar seizure before and she had no previously diagnosed medical condition, the CPS added.
The parents of the two girls killed said they “remain unconvinced that the investigation has been conducted thoroughly”, adding “Nuria and Selena deserved better”.
Emergency services raced to the prep school after the 4×4 ploughed through a fence, smashed into the tea party and collided with a school building.
A major incident was declared as more than 30 police vehicles sent to the scene, and 15 ambulances.
More than fifteen others were injured, including a seven-month-old baby girl, in the crash.
Jaswant Narwal, Chief Crown Prosecutor with oversight of the Crown Prosecution Service London Homicide Unit, said: “The death of a child is an unthinkable tragedy for any parent.
“On behalf of the Crown Prosecution Service, I extend my sincere and heartfelt 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 consideration all the material gathered as part of the lengthy and detailed police investigation.
“The driver of the vehicle had an epileptic seizure behind the wheel, which caused her to lose control of the vehicle which then drove into the school.
“There is no evidence the driver had ever suffered a similar seizure before and she had no previously diagnosed medical condition.
“Because there is nothing to suggest the driver could have done anything to predict or prevent this tragedy, it is not in the public interest to pursue a criminal prosecution.”
Narwal added they had considered the driver’s full medical records and taken evidence from neurological specialists, who agreed that the driver had a seizure and that this was the first such medical episode she had experienced.
Members of the CPS had met with the bereaved families on several occasions, to ensure they were kept informed of the progress and to fully explain any decisions made.
Detective Chief Superintendent Clair Kelland, in charge of policing for south west London, said: “This was a deeply tragic incident, the circumstances of which caused widespread shock and sadness.
“The families of Nuria and Selena – who we know are greatly loved and missed – are always in our thoughts, but particularly so in light of this development.”
Both families had been 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, a file of evidential material was passed to the CPS for them to consider whether charges were appropriate.”
Having carried out enquiries and examined her medical records it was determined that she couldn’t 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 want to give every reassurance that our officers worked tirelessly through every detail of the incident to ensure a complete investigation be passed to the CPS.
“To bring charges in cases like this there needs to be an element of responsibility on the part of the driver, and, given the circumstances, this was simply not borne out on this occasion.”
