A quiet morning in central London turned to tragedy when an 89-year-old woman was fatally struck by a recycling lorry in Westminster. The incident occurred on Monday, sending shockwaves through the local community and prompting an immediate police response.
Emergency services rushed to the scene following reports of a collision between a pedestrian and commercial vehicle. Despite the best efforts of paramedics, the elderly woman was pronounced dead at the location. The Metropolitan Police have confirmed they are treating this as a serious traffic incident investigation.
Driver in Custody Following Tragic Collision
The lorry driver, whose identity remains undisclosed, was arrested at the scene on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving. Police officers have cordoned off the area for forensic examination and are conducting a thorough investigation into the exact circumstances that led to this devastating outcome.
An eyewitness described the scene as "utterly heartbreaking," stating: "The emergency services arrived within minutes, but it was immediately clear the situation was grave. The community is in shock that such a tragedy could occur in broad daylight."
Road Safety Concerns Raised
This incident has reignited concerns about road safety in central London, particularly regarding the interaction between large commercial vehicles and vulnerable road users. Westminster has seen increased traffic measures in recent years, but this tragedy highlights ongoing challenges.
Local councillors have expressed their condolences to the victim's family while calling for an urgent review of heavy goods vehicle operations in residential and high-pedestrian areas. The recycling company involved has yet to release an official statement but is cooperating fully with police investigations.
The investigation continues as forensic teams work to establish the complete sequence of events. Police are appealing for any witnesses or individuals with dashcam footage to come forward to assist with their inquiries.
