A pregnant woman and her unborn baby were killed when an unmarked Metropolitan Police car, with its lights and sirens on, collided with her vehicle on Thursday evening, October 17, 2024, in Eltham, southeast London, England. The crash occurred around 6:15 p.m. near the A20 and Kidbrooke Park Road junction.
The 38-year-old woman was turning into a shopping center where her family was waiting when the collision occurred. Witnesses reported that the police vehicle was traveling at a very high speed when it struck her car.
Abu Bakr, a plumber, described how he had just finished work at a house across the street when he witnessed an unmarked Volvo with flashing lights collide with the woman’s blue VW Polo as she waited to turn right into Sutcliffe Park Sports Centre.
Bakr said the police were speeding toward the gas station at an estimated 70 to 90 mph. His van shook from the speed, and the police did not apply the brakes, seemingly relying on the hope that she would complete her turn before they reached her. The impact caused her car to flip three times and lose a wheel.
The pregnant victim stood no chance during the high-speed collision, according to witnesses at the scene.
The woman’s husband rushed from the shopping center with their toddler daughter, desperately trying to help as medical responders performed an emergency cesarean section at the scene in an attempt to save the unborn baby. Both the woman and her unborn child were pronounced dead at the scene.
Two police officers who were in the unmarked vehicle were taken to a major trauma center but have since been discharged. The Metropolitan Police has not confirmed whether the police car was responding to an emergency during the collision.
Residents of Eltham described the junction where the crash occurred as one of the most dangerous in southeast London. Neighbors commented that the incident was hardly surprising, given the high speeds drivers typically travel along that route.
The Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) is investigating the circumstances of the collision. The Labour MP (Member of Parliament) for Eltham and Chislehurst, Clive Efford, stated he would question the IOPC regarding the investigation.
Specially trained officers are supporting the woman’s family, and flowers have been laid at the crash site as the local community mourns the loss.