Two Years On: Parents of Girls Killed in Wimbledon School Crash Still Awaiting Answers and Justice

Wimbledon, London – It has been two agonizing years since a devastating incident claimed the lives of two young girls, Nuria Sajjad, and Selena Lau, both eight years old, when a Land Rover veered off the road and crashed into an end-of-term tea party at The Study Preparatory School in Wimbledon. On July 6, 2023, a day meant for celebration turned into a scene of unimaginable sorrow, leaving a profound scar on the community and a deep void in the hearts of the families.

On Sunday, a poignant memorial event was held on Wimbledon Common, just a short distance from the school, to commemorate the second anniversary of the tragedy. Hundreds of mourners, including the girls’ grieving parents, gathered to remember Nuria and Selena. Smera Chohan, Nuria’s mother, speaking with profound emotion, conveyed the ongoing struggle for clarity. “We have had to fight very hard – harder than any victim should ever have had to – but we remain committed to uncovering the truth about what happened,” she stated, her voice resonating with a mother’s deep-seated need for justice.

The families have expressed significant frustration at the pace of the investigation and the lack of definitive answers. Nuria’s father, Sajjad Butt, echoed these sentiments, stating, “We are still waiting, we want a version of events that adds up.” Selena’s parents, Franky Lau and Jessie Deng, also attended the memorial, standing in solidarity with the Sajjad family. The event was marked by emotional speeches, a two-minute silence for each girl, and the adornment of two commemorative benches, created in Nuria and Selena’s memory, with flowers and heartfelt messages.

The driver of the Land Rover, Claire Freemantle, 48, was arrested at the scene in 2023. Last June, the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) announced that she would not be charged, citing evidence that she suffered an epileptic seizure, causing her to lose control of the vehicle. The CPS stated there was no prior indication of such medical episodes. However, in a significant development in January, Ms. Freemantle was rearrested on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving. The Metropolitan Police confirmed that this action followed a review of the investigation, emphasizing that their primary focus is to thoroughly progress all identified lines of inquiry. Detective Superintendent Lewis Basford urged the public to avoid speculation, stating, “Our main priority is to ensure the lines of inquiry identified by the review are progressed.”

The parents have welcomed the reopened investigation, underscoring their commitment to achieving truth and obtaining comprehensive facts. Yet, the prolonged wait for justice weighs heavily upon them. “Nothing is going to make our lives the same again,” shared Ms. Chohan, her voice trembling with emotion. “I sometimes don’t know if I’m a mother; I need to know why I’m not a mother, and Nuria deserved a thorough investigation.”

Helen Lowe, the former headteacher of The Study Preparatory School at the time of the incident, also attended the memorial. She expressed the community’s ongoing pain and the difficulty in moving forward without accountability. “But the people who perpetrated those events have had to be answerable, and we don’t have that, which makes it – for the parents and for us – impossible to move on,” Lowe remarked. Sharon Maher, the current headteacher, noted a positive shift in the quality of the police investigation initiated in October, describing it as more thorough and detailed, giving the families renewed hope.

Members of the local emergency services were also present, showing their support and respect. The Metropolitan Police stated, “Our thoughts are with Nuria and Selena’s loved ones at this particularly difficult time. Our investigation continues and we remain in regular contact with the families.” They urged anyone with information pertinent to the case to contact the major incident room on 0207 175 0793, quoting CAD 6528/27Jan, or to message @MetCC on X.

The relentless pursuit of answers by Nuria Sajjad and Selena Lau’s families highlights a critical need for transparency and accountability in the aftermath of such profound tragedies. Their strength in the face of such immense loss serves as a powerful reminder of a parent’s enduring love and their unyielding quest for justice.