Teenager Killed in Taxi Collision Outside Prestigious London School
A 16-year-old student died after being struck by an Addison Lee taxi on her way to Highgate School.
A 16-year-old student, Melissa Premaratne, has died after being hit by an Addison Lee taxi outside Highgate School in London. The incident occurred as she was walking across the street on Tuesday morning. Firefighters used specialized equipment to free her after she became trapped under the vehicle.
Emergency services, including the London Ambulance Service, London Fire Brigade, and London’s Air Ambulance, responded to the scene. Despite their efforts, Melissa was pronounced dead at the location.
Her family described her as "a light in our lives and an amazing person" and said they would miss her "kindness, warmth, and beautiful spirit."
A 68-year-old man, the driver of the taxi, was arrested on suspicion of causing death by careless driving. He has since been released on bail pending further inquiries.
Detective Inspector Simon Ager stated that the investigation is ongoing and urged anyone with information, dashcam footage, CCTV, or mobile phone footage from the area around the time of the collision to come forward. "Our thoughts remain with Melissa's family following her tragic death," he added.
Addison Lee confirmed that the vehicle involved belonged to the company. "We are aware of a serious incident that took place today involving one of our vehicles and pedestrians," a spokesperson said. "Our thoughts are with those people affected. ... As the facts are yet to be determined, we are unable to comment further at this stage."
Highgate School, a private institution with annual fees of approximately £31,000, described the news as a "terrible shock." A school spokesman said, "It is with deep sadness that we share the news that one of our Y12 pupils died today on the way to school in a road traffic incident. The loss of such a young life, so full of promise and hope, is deeply heartbreaking."
The London Ambulance Service reported being called at 8:11 a.m. to a road traffic collision on North Road, Highgate, N6. A teenager was treated, but "very sadly, despite our best efforts, she died at the scene."
