A heartbreaking tragedy unfolded at Kendal Rugby Union Football Club in Cumbria yesterday, when a car crashed onto the sports pitch, killing a ten-year-old girl and injuring another child.
The incident occurred during a football training session, and police have confirmed that the deceased child was from Kendal.
The second child, an eight-year-old girl, was taken to the hospital but is not believed to have suffered life-threatening injuries.
Details of the Incident and Ongoing Investigation
Police were first alerted to the crash at 4:58 PM on March 5, 2025, when a black BMW i4 collided with two children on the pitch.
Authorities have since confirmed that the driver, a 40-year-old man from Lancaster, was arrested on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving. He remains in custody while investigations continue.
The authorities have not indicated any foul play or terrorism-related motives at this time, and they are treating the incident as an isolated case.
Photos from the scene show the BMW resting on the all-weather pitch, next to football equipment scattered on the ground.
The vehicle is believed to have driven through metal fencing from a nearby car park before landing on the pitch.
Witnesses reported a large presence of emergency vehicles, including ambulances and police cars, as well as a crowd gathering around the area.
Support for the Family and Community’s Grief
Kendal Rugby Club, where the tragic incident took place, has temporarily closed its facilities while the investigation is ongoing.
The club’s chairman, Dr. Stephen Green, expressed deep sadness and extended condolences to the family of the deceased child.
He asked for privacy for those involved during this difficult time and assured that the club is cooperating fully with the authorities.
Local MPs and community leaders, including Tim Farron, the MP for Westmorland and Lonsdale, also expressed their devastation over the incident.
Farron described the news as “utterly heartbreaking” and said that the Kendal community was in mourning.
Messages of Condolence from Local Football Clubs
The tragedy has deeply affected local sports clubs. Wattsfield Youth FC and Kendal United FC both expressed their condolences on social media, sending heartfelt messages of support to the families involved.
The community has rallied together, offering help to those affected by the incident, especially those who may have witnessed the collision.
The investigation into the incident is still in its early stages, with police working to determine the full circumstances surrounding the crash.
At this time, authorities are focused on supporting the grieving families and ensuring that justice is served for the victims.