A tragic incident unfolded yesterday at Kendal Rugby Union Football Club, when a black BMW crashed onto the sports pitch during a football training session.
The crash led to the death of a 10-year-old girl, and another child, an 8-year-old girl from Kendal, was rushed to the hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.
Authorities Investigating the Collision
Cumbria Police have confirmed that the collision took place at around 4:58 p.m. on March 5, 2025, when the vehicle, a BMW i4, struck two children on the pitch.
The driver, a 40-year-old man from Lancaster, has been arrested on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving.
He remains in police custody while investigations continue. The police also emphasized that, at this time, there’s no indication that the incident was intentional.
Community in Shock as the Investigation Unfolds
The community in Kendal is in deep mourning, with locals expressing their heartbreak over the devastating loss.
Tim Farron, the Member of Parliament for Westmorland and Lonsdale, called the incident “utterly heartbreaking” and shared his prayers for the children and their families.
Authorities are treating the collision as an isolated event, and there is no evidence to suggest it is terror-related.
Specialist investigators are currently working at the scene, where a metal fence surrounding the playing area was knocked down as the BMW crashed through from a nearby car park.
The area has been cordoned off as police work to establish the full circumstances behind the tragedy.
Reactions from Local Sports Clubs and Community Leaders
The tragic event has sent shockwaves through the local sports community, with several clubs offering their condolences.
Kendal Rugby Club temporarily closed its facilities in respect and cooperation with authorities.
Other clubs, like Wigton Rugby Club and Wattsfield Youth FC, have extended their heartfelt support to Kendal Rugby Club and the families involved.
The chairperson of Kendal Rugby Club, Dr. Stephen Green, expressed the club’s sorrow and requested privacy for those affected during this incredibly difficult time.
Local clubs, including Kendal United FC, have also reached out, offering support to those who witnessed the tragic event, especially their young players and coaches.
The Road Ahead for Families and the Community
As the investigation continues, Cumbria Police have assured the public that they are doing everything possible to piece together the events leading to the crash.
They have urged anyone who witnessed the incident to come forward and assist with the investigation.
Both families of the children involved have been notified, and the community is rallying around them, offering all the support they can during this unimaginable time.