The KCL student who died in a fatal crash outside Strand Campus has been named as 20-year-old Aalia Mahomed.
In a statement, her family said: “Aalia was a bright, kind and beautiful soul, who brought joy and laughter to everyone.”
The Faculty of Faculty of Natural, Mathematical and Engineering Sciences (NMES) confirmed Aalia was a second year student studying for a BSc in Physics and Philosophy.
Three others were injured in the collision on Tuesday. A 27-year-old woman remains in hospital in a serious, but not life-threatening condition. Roar understands she is a PhD student in the NMES Faculty.
A 23-year-old student from the Faculty of Social Science and Public Policy was also hospitalised, but has since been discharged.
The Met Police said that the van driver, a 26-year-old man, was arrested on suspicion of drug driving and causing death by careless driving. He has since been released on bail.
The statement from Aalia’s family added: “She was a ray of sunshine in our lives, and will be deeply missed by all her family and friends. Her light will always live on in our memories and her smile will be our strength as we get through this difficult time.”
Vice-Chancellor Professor Shitij Kapur said: “Our thoughts are with her family, friends and loved ones during this incredibly difficult time, and we offer them our deepest condolences.”
King’s students held a vigil last night in Aalia’s memory. At that point, she had not yet been officially named.
An online memorial book has been set up and books of condolences placed in the Chaplaincy room K2.34 and the Physics Department S7.06 for students to share thoughts and prayers.
The University and Chaplaincy are also in the process of planning a memorial.
This update comes amid growing frustration at King’s College London’s response to the incident, with students raising concerns over perceived failures of communication from the University.
Stephen Large, KCL Senior Vice-President (Operations), also told Roar that a liaison group between Westminster Council and the University will negotiate new traffic regulations for the pedestrianised area of Strand.
VC Kapur said: “[W]e are in active contact with the authorities to make sure that the use of the pedestrian precinct is safe as it can be. If there are findings from this incident or changes that may be required – we will keep the community informed.”
All of us at Roar extend our deepest condolences to Aalia’s family and friends.
Follow Roar’s coverage of the accident and all subsequent events here.
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