Woman Charged in 2023 Wimbledon School Crash That Killed Two Girls

London prosecutors charged a woman with causing death by dangerous driving in connection with a 2023 crash at a primary school that killed two 8-year-old girls and injured several others. Claire Freemantle, 49, faces two counts of causing death by dangerous driving and seven counts of causing serious injury by dangerous driving.

The charges stem from the July 6, 2023, incident at The Study Preparatory School in Wimbledon, south London, where Freemantle drove a Land Rover through a fence into an end-of-term tea party. The victims, Nuria Sajjad and Selena Lau, both 8, died from their injuries.

More than a dozen people were treated at the scene, and 10, including several pupils, were hospitalized. The Metropolitan Police announced the charges on May 1, 2026, after reopening the investigation based on new evidence.

Freemantle issued a statement expressing deepest sorrow but said she had no recollection of the events. The decision followed the Metropolitan Police's first investigation, which concluded without charges. Parents of the deceased girls complained about the handling, describing the probe as flawed.

Their challenge led to the case being reopened later in 2024, with additional lines of inquiry examined. Freemantle was re-arrested in January 2025 on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving. Commander Charmain Brenyah stated that the force would fundamentally reset how it investigates fatal and serious collisions to improve support for victims and families.

The police referred the matter to the Independent Office for Police Conduct, which is investigating 11 officers, including four serving and one former, for possible gross misconduct in the initial inquiry. Freemantle's lawyers said she would deny all charges and question the reversal of the original decision.

They described her as utterly devastated, noting she is a mother of school-aged children and will be tortured for life by the loss and injury caused. Freemantle is scheduled to appear at Westminster Magistrates' Court on June 16, 2026.

Sajjad was described by her family as a bright, feisty girl with a zest for life who had planned a birthday party she would never see. Selena Lau was called an intelligent and cheeky girl adored by everyone. The parents said they have lived in torment since the crash, fighting for clarity and accountability.

In their statement, the parents expressed that the charging decision vindicates their position and brings them closer to understanding why their daughters died and others were harmed. They rejected the initial no-charge decision, believing it was not based on full facts, and noted the need for extensive new evidence over the past two years.

Background on the Crash The crash occurred on the last day of classes in 2023, with the Land Rover plowing through a fence and into the school building during the tea party. Prosecutors did not specify the new evidence that prompted the charges. The parents met with police on May 1, 2026, to discuss the decision.

The case will now proceed to trial, allowing the families to seek answers nearly three years after the incident. The Independent Office for Police Conduct's probe into the officers' conduct continues alongside the criminal proceedings.

“We believe that initial decision by the CPS was the right one in these tragic circumstances and that there are serious questions to be answered about the reasons for its reversal today.”

The Metropolitan Police's review of its roads and transport policing command aims to ensure more effective responses to similar incidents. The families emphasized that the tragedy has left them without peace since July 2023. Freemantle resides in Edge Hill, Wimbledon.