An investigation is underway after witnesses claimed that an unmarked police car was allegedly driving on the wrong side of the road when it collided with another vehicle in Eltham, killing a heavily pregnant woman and her unborn baby.
The crash occurred around 6.15pm on Thursday evening on the A20, near the junction with Kidbrooke Park Road. The Metropolitan Police confirmed the 38-year-old woman and her unborn child died from their injuries. Her next of kin have been informed.
Eyewitness Accounts
A Plumber witnessed the tragic incident and reported that the unmarked police car was “driving on the wrong side of the road” when it crashed into the woman’s vehicle as she was turning into the Sutcliffe Park Sports Centre.
“Four police cars had their lights on racing down the road. The speed they were doing – I’ve never seen anything like it,” The man who we aren’t naming said “One of the cars hit her, and she flipped three times. Her car was very badly smashed up.”
Another witness speaking at the scene stated that the unmarked police car, believed to be a black Volvo, had its blue lights and siren on at the time of the crash. “I didn’t see it go into the other car, but it looked like it was doing some speed. The other car, a blue car, collided, flipped about three times across the pavement, and then turned upright.”
Investigation Launched by IOPC
The Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) has launched an independent investigation into the crash. Detective Chief Superintendent Trevor Lawry, who oversees policing in Greenwich, expressed his condolences: “My heart goes out to the woman’s family and friends who have lost their loved ones in these tragic circumstances. An investigation into the circumstances of this collision is underway by the IOPC, and we will assist with their inquiries in any way we can.”
An IOPC spokesperson confirmed: “We can confirm that we have started an independent investigation into the circumstances of a fatal collision involving Met Police in South East London last night (17 October). We understand that the driver, and sole occupant, of the vehicle was a heavily pregnant woman. Ambulance and fire services attended, and she was given treatment. The woman and her baby sadly both died.”
The spokesperson added: “We sent investigators to the scene and post-incident process to begin gathering evidence. Our investigation is in the very early stages. Our thoughts are with the family and friends of the woman who has died and all of those affected by this tragic incident.”
Officers Injured in the Crash
The two officers who were in the unmarked police vehicle involved in the collision were taken to hospital for treatment but have since been discharged.
Appeal for Witnesses
Authorities are urging witnesses or anyone with information to come forward. Witnesses are asked to contact IOPC investigators by calling 03003035610 or emailing [email protected].
The Metropolitan Police and the IOPC are expected to release further updates as the investigation progresses.
