UPDATED A fatal collision brought Upper Richmond Road to a standstill Monday evening after a woman in her 70s was struck and killed by a lorry while using a pedestrian crossing.
The incident occurred at approximately 5.30pm at the junction of Upper Richmond Road and Carlton Drive, just metres from East Putney Underground station. The driver of the lorry stopped at the scene. Emergency services rushed to help, with multiple police units and ambulances responding swiftly. Despite their efforts, the woman died at the scene.
Police have confirmed the fatality, and a forensic tent was erected at the site of the collision, directly on the pedestrian crossing where the person was struck. The entire stretch of Upper Richmond Road between Keswick Road and Oxford Road was cordoned off to all traffic.
East Putney Tube station remained open, though access was restricted, and pedestrians were directed to use alternative routes around the scene. Witnesses described a large crowd gathering earlier in the evening as emergency vehicles arrived and officers worked to secure the area.
Eyewitness accounts reported that a man was arrested and handcuffed at the scene, but reports on social media noted that it was not directly related to the accident and the police later let the man go. The police later confirmed that no arrests have been made.
Highway maintenance teams arrived later in the evening, joining police at the cordon as investigations continued into the circumstances of the crash.
Local traffic was severely disrupted, and authorities urged commuters to avoid the area.
This evening’s fatal crash is the latest in a troubling series of serious incidents in Putney. In recent months, police have responded to multiple tragedies, including the death of a person hit by a train at Putney Station in April, and a string of emergency bridge closures. There is ongoing speculation that at least two of the incidents may have involved the same individual. The pattern has left many residents concerned about safety and support for vulnerable people in the area.
Update: The Metropolitan Police provided the following update at noon on Tuesday.
“On Monday, 19 May at 17:34hrs police were called to Upper Richmond Road, SW15 following reports of a road traffic collision between a lorry and pedestrian.
Met officers attended the scene alongside paramedics from the London Ambulance Service. Sadly the pedestrian, a woman in her 70’s, died at the scene.
The driver of the lorry stopped at the scene. The investigation remains ongoing and no arrests have been made.
Police are seeking any witness to the collision or anyone with dash cam footage who was present at the scene to contact police by calling 101, referencing CAD 5833/19MAY25.”
This is such a heartbreaking tragedy. I live very locally and was on my way to the gym just after the incident occurred. What I saw before the tent was put up was truly devastating, and it’s stayed with me. There’s been a lot of speculation about it possibly being a hit-and-run, but I’m sure more information will come to light soon. My thoughts are with the victim’s family and friends during this incredibly difficult time. I also just wanted to mention that I saw someone being arrested, and I believe it may have just been a local homeless man who was causing a bit of a disturbance—not necessarily connected to the incident, as mentioned. I really hope the facts are clarified soon. Sending love to everyone affected.
Awful tragedy, regularly here cars go through amber at 30 and cyclists in packs think it’s a course on the Tour de France. Been clipped a couple of times crossing with my daughter. Yesterday social media had it as a hit and run and people were taking photos of the accident with their phones. Horrible stuff.
Very sad news. Thoughts with the victim’s loved ones. As a local resident, I’ve always felt that the duration of the time available of when the green person flashes to cross the road at that particular crossing was far tight/too short. I hope the Council considers making this longer making it easier for people to cross the road in time safely.