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A mother was unable to give her daughter a final hug after a Land Rover crashed into a school in southwest London, resulting in her daughter’s death. The mother’s injuries were too severe to allow for physical contact.
In July, Nuria Sajjad, an eight-year-old, attended a tea party at an all-girls preparatory school in Wimbledon. During the party, she shared her hopes and dreams for the upcoming holidays, one of which was a visit to the Isle of Wight.
Less than 60 seconds before the black and gold car crashed into the playground, she had taken a photo with her mother Smera Chohan. In the photo, the two of them were smiling happily to mark the beginning of the school break.
Nuria’s mother sustained multiple injuries, including eight broken ribs, a broken shoulder and pelvis, and had to undergo three surgeries. Sadly, Nuria’s injuries were fatal and she passed away in the hospital three days after the incident.
Due to her own injuries, Ms Chohan was unable to embrace her daughter and say goodbye as she was in a wheelchair next to her when the life-support machine was turned off.
She expressed regret for not being able to give her a final hug, which she now deeply misses. If possible, she would turn back time. Unfortunately, her own physical limitations and those of the other person prevented her from lifting them for a farewell embrace. The situation will never make sense and she will never be able to accept it.
Selena Lau, a classmate of hers, was also fatally injured, with over a dozen others sustaining injuries. The driver, a woman in her 40s, was apprehended for suspicion of causing death through reckless driving and has been released on bail until January.
Ms. Chohan is urging the Metropolitan Police to give explanations and has expressed concerns about the reported delay. “We have begun to inquire, but there are still no responses,” she stated. “Please prioritize this case.”
She and her spouse, Sajjad Butt, are grappling with comprehending the “unfairness” of how their family was devastated, as their lone offspring was snatched away from them in mere moments.
In an interview with The Sunday Times, Ms Chohan expressed her thoughts, stating that when parents pass away, their children are called orphans, but there is no term for adults who lose their parents. She believes this is not how it should be.
Despite her mother’s struggles with lupus, Nuria was born and grew up enjoying dancing and Disney movies. Her family described her as a joyful person.
After spending 11 days at St George’s Hospital in Tooting, Ms Chohan chose to go back home for treatment “before her scent had dissipated from the house”. Following her passing, the couple have maintained her bedroom in the exact state it was in, with her garments neatly arranged and Barbies neatly placed.
Regarding the initial days after the loss, her father expressed that they spent time in her room and were filled with immense grief, which caused them to cry out. It was a deep sorrow that went beyond tears. He even feared for Smera’s will to continue living, not just for that night, but for the future as well. It was an incredibly difficult time.
The pair is currently requesting “responsibility” and is receiving assistance from Trevor Sterling, a lawyer at Moore Barlow, who is also advocating for approximately 20 individuals who were hurt on that day and are seeking recompense from the driver.
Detective Chief Superintendent Clair Kelland, in charge of policing for southwest London, said: “Our thoughts remain with the families of Nuria and Selena, who we know are greatly loved and missed.
It is a heartbreaking event and we acknowledge the families’ desire for information and clarity on the situation. Our family liaison officers are committed to providing them with specialized assistance and regular updates on the ongoing investigation.
Expert investigators are diligently working to determine the details of that day, which involves reviewing surveillance footage and analyzing a report from forensic collision experts. We understand that the process may cause additional distress, but it is necessary to conduct a comprehensive and thorough investigation for the sake of all parties involved.
Source: independent.co.uk