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Teenage pupil dies after collision involving private hire vehicle in north London
A 16-year-old schoolgirl has died after being struck by an Addison Lee private hire vehicle while travelling to school in north London.
The Year 12 pupil was involved in the collision on North Road, Highgate, on Thursday morning, 24 September. Emergency services were called shortly after 8am.
The teenager became trapped beneath the black people carrier following the collision. Despite treatment from paramedics, she was pronounced dead at the scene.
The 68-year-old driver of the vehicle was arrested on suspicion of causing death by careless driving. Police are continuing to investigate the circumstances surrounding the collision.
Highgate School confirmed that the teenager was one of its pupils and said the death had caused “a terrible shock” across the school community.
A Highgate School spokesperson told LBC News: “It is with deep sadness that we share the news that one of our Y12 pupils died today on the way to school in a road traffic incident. This incredibly distressing news has come as a terrible shock to everyone at Highgate.
“Emergency services attended the scene and the Police are currently investigating the situation. The family are being supported by specialist police officers and are receiving all the appropriate support. Out of respect for the family’s privacy, no further details will be shared at this time. We thank you for your understanding and compassion.
“The loss of such a young life, so full of promise and hope, is deeply heartbreaking, and we extend our sincere and heartfelt condolences to her family, friends and all those affected by this awful news. She will be greatly missed, and we will continue to support her family, our pupils and staff, and the wider community, as we mourn her loss.”
Addison Lee confirmed one of its vehicles had been involved in what it described as a serious incident in the Highgate area.
The private hire operator said: “We are aware of a serious incident that took place today involving one of our vehicles and pedestrians at approximately 8.30am in the Highgate vicinity.
“Our thoughts are with those people affected.
“Due to its nature, the incident response is being led and managed by the police, and we are supporting them in their investigation.
“As the facts are yet to be determined, we are unable to comment further at this stage.”
London Ambulance Service said it was called at 8.11am to reports of a road traffic collision on North Road, Highgate, N6.
A spokesperson said: “We sent an ambulance crew, paramedics in fast response cars, an incident response officer, a motorcycle responder and an advanced paramedic. We also dispatched London’s Air Ambulance.
“We treated a teenager, but very sadly, despite our best efforts, she died at the scene.”
Police have appealed for anyone with information about the collision to contact officers by calling 101 and quoting CAD1525/24Sept.
