Two Young Girls Killed in Tragic School Celebration Crash

A woman accused of driving an SUV onto the grounds of a primary school in southwest London, causing the deaths of two eight-year-old girls and leaving several others seriously injured, is scheduled to stand trial in 2027.

The fatal collision occurred on July 6, 2023, during an end-of-term celebration at The Study Preparatory School in Wimbledon. What began as a joyful outdoor gathering quickly turned into a devastating tragedy when a vehicle entered the school grounds, striking children, parents, and staff.

Defendant Appears Before London Court

Claire Freemantle, 49, appeared before a London court on July 14, 2026, where she confirmed her identity. The hearing was procedural, and no plea was entered.

Prosecutors have charged Freemantle with:

• Two counts of causing death by dangerous driving.
• Seven counts of causing serious injury by dangerous driving.

According to earlier court proceedings, her legal team has indicated that she intends to plead not guilty.

The full criminal trial has been scheduled to begin on September 6, 2027.

Victims Remembered

The crash claimed the lives of two eight-year-old classmates:

• Nuria Sajjad (Age: 8)
• Selena Lau (Age: 8)

Their families paid heartfelt tributes following the tragedy, describing Nuria as a caring and generous child whose joyful personality touched everyone around her. Selena was remembered as a bright, cheerful, and much-loved girl with a playful spirit.

Others Seriously Injured

The collision also left several people with serious injuries, including:

• Smera Chohan, Nuria Sajjad’s mother.
• Tamsyn Van De Vyver, the mother of another student.
• Another parent.
• A seven-month-old baby.
• Two eight-year-old girls.
• One seven-year-old girl.

Emergency responders treated multiple victims at the scene before they were transported for further medical care.

Investigation Reopened After Families Raised Concerns

Initially, investigators decided in June 2024 that no criminal charges would be filed after determining that the driver had reportedly experienced an epileptic seizure before the collision.

However, the families of the two girls questioned the original findings and urged authorities to conduct a fresh review.

Following that request, the Metropolitan Police Specialist Crime Review Group reassessed the evidence and reopened the investigation. The renewed inquiry ultimately resulted in criminal charges being filed against Freemantle.

Police Conduct Also Under Review

The Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) continues to examine how the initial investigation was handled. Complaints involving 11 police officers are being assessed, with five officers facing investigations for possible gross misconduct.

Police officials have acknowledged shortcomings in the original investigation and stated that significant changes will be introduced to improve the way fatal road collisions are investigated in the future.

Claire Freemantle: Biography

Name: Claire Freemantle
Age: 49
Residence: Wimbledon, London, United Kingdom

Claire Freemantle is the woman charged in connection with the fatal vehicle collision at The Study Preparatory School in Wimbledon. Prosecutors allege that her driving resulted in the deaths of two schoolgirls and serious injuries to seven other people. She has appeared in court, and her trial is scheduled to begin in September 2027.

Incident Details

• Incident Date: July 6, 2023
• Court Appearance: July 14, 2026
• Trial Date: September 6, 2027
• Location: The Study Preparatory School, Wimbledon, London, United Kingdom
• Accused: Claire Freemantle (49)
• Victims Killed: Nuria Sajjad (8) and Selena Lau (8)
• Additional Injuries: Seven people, including parents, children, and a seven-month-old infant.
• Charges: Two counts of causing death by dangerous driving and seven counts of causing serious injury by dangerous driving.