Aaliyah Mahomed, a 20-year-old student at King’s College London, tragically lost her life in a fatal accident in central London on Tuesday.
Described by her family as a “kind and beautiful soul,” her death has left those who knew her in deep sorrow.
Details of the Fatal Collision
Aalia was sitting on a bench outside King’s College when the tragic incident occurred.
The van, believed to have lost control, struck a metal border of a flower bed before lifting off the ground and hitting Aalia along with two of her friends.
Despite emergency services quickly arriving on the scene, Aalia was sadly pronounced dead at the location. The collision took place on The Strand, close to the college campus at around 11:40 AM.
Family’s Heartfelt Tribute
In a moving statement, Aalia’s family expressed their grief: “Aalia was a bright, kind, and beautiful soul, who brought joy and laughter to everyone.
She was a ray of sunshine in our lives and will be deeply missed by all her family and friends.
Her light will always live on in our memories, and her smile will be our strength as we get through this difficult time.”
Flowers and Tributes Left in Her Memory
The community has come together to honor Aalia’s memory.
Bunches of flowers, including tulips and roses, were placed near the St Mary le Strand church, where the van ultimately stopped.
Her death has left an immense impact on her friends, family, and fellow students.
The Injuries and Arrests Following the Crash
In addition to Aalia, a 27-year-old woman was seriously injured and is currently in the hospital, although her injuries are not considered life-threatening.
A 23-year-old man was also injured but has since been discharged from the hospital.
The driver of the van, a 26-year-old man, was arrested at the scene on suspicion of causing death by careless driving.
He was later also arrested for suspected drug driving offenses.
He has been released on bail as investigations continue.
Calls for Privacy and Support
Aalia’s family continues to receive support from specialist officers during this difficult time.
They have requested privacy as they grieve their loss.
Meanwhile, police are urging anyone with information related to the accident to contact them or Crimestoppers anonymously.
King’s College London Responds to the Tragedy
The incident has sparked a response from students at King’s College London, many of whom have voiced their dissatisfaction with how the university has handled the tragedy.
A statement from students expressed frustration with the university’s reaction: “The response from King’s College London has, unfortunately, been both inadequate and insensitive.”
As the investigation into the accident continues, the community remains united in mourning the loss of a young life taken too soon.