Last week, a tragic crash involving a police car took the life of a 38-year-old pregnant woman and her unborn baby. The incident occurred around 6:15 pm on the A20 near the junction with Kidbrooke Park Road in Eltham. According to witness Abu Bakar, the woman was turning into the Sutcliffe Park Sports Centre when an unmarked police car, allegedly driving on the wrong side of the road, collided with her vehicle.
Mr. Bakar described a scene of chaos with multiple police cars racing down the road with their lights on. The impact caused the woman’s car to flip three times, resulting in severe damage. Emergency services, including London Ambulance Service crews, the London Fire Brigade, and London’s Air Ambulance, responded to the scene.
Tributes left at the crash site identified the victim as ‘Mariam’ and expressed deep sorrow and condolences to her and her unborn child. The Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) is currently investigating the incident and appealing for witnesses to come forward with any information or footage they may have.
Residents in the area have raised concerns about the dangerous nature of the junction where the crash occurred, emphasizing the need for improved safety measures. The two officers in the unmarked police car were also injured in the collision but have since been released from the hospital.
Detective Chief Superintendent Trevor Lawry expressed condolences to the woman’s family and friends and assured cooperation with the IOPC’s investigation. The Metropolitan Police declined to provide further comments on the matter.
The tragic loss of life in this crash serves as a sobering reminder of the potential dangers on the road. As investigations continue, it is essential for authorities to address any safety concerns raised by residents and ensure that such incidents are thoroughly reviewed to prevent future tragedies.
