A woman in her 20s has died after a van struck three pedestrians in central London.

In a tragic incident that unfolded on Tuesday at approximately 11:40 AM, a van struck three pedestrians on The Strand in central London, resulting in the death of a woman in her 20s. The collision, which authorities have ruled out as terrorism-related, also left two other pedestrians in need of medical attention; one is reported to have potentially life-threatening injuries, while the other sustained minor injuries. The 26-year-old driver of the van has been arrested on suspicion of causing death by careless driving and for driving under the influence of drugs. He currently remains in police custody as investigations continue, with a crime scene established around the area. The woman who lost her life has been confirmed as a student at King's College London (KCL), registered with the Faculty of Natural, Mathematical and Engineering Sciences (NMES). In response to this devastating loss, KCL released a statement acknowledging the tragedy and offering support resources for students affected by the incident. Professor Linda McKie, the Executive Dean of the Faculty of Social Science and Public Policy, emphasized the university's commitment to student well-being, mentioning that designated areas and counseling services have been established to assist students coping with the emotional fallout. However, the university's response has faced criticism from the KCL community. Some students have expressed that the initial communication lacked sensitivity and depth, arguing that it failed to sufficiently address the gravity of the situation. An open letter circulated on social media highlighted the frustrations of students, particularly from the KCL Turkic Society, indicating a void in support for those directly affected and highlighting concerns about communication to the victims’ families. While it's important to acknowledge KCL's effort to provide mental health resources under such tragic circumstances, the criticism from students suggests a disconnect between administrative communications and the emotional needs of the student body. Public sentiments often demand more responsive and empathetic measures during times of tragedy. This underscores a critical reflection point for universities on how to effectively manage crises and provide the necessary support at a moment when their students need it most. In summary, this incident not only highlights issues of pedestrian safety but also exposes a potential gap in university protocols for managing tragedies affecting their students. It raises larger questions about accountability, support, and the role institutions should play in safeguarding the emotional and psychological welfare of their community, particularly in the wake of distressing events. This article has been analyzed and reviewed by artificial intelligence.