Petts Wood crash: 67-year-old grandmother dies after car ploughs into south-east London charity shop

The scene in Petts Wood on Thursday.
London Fire Brigade.
Francesca Gillett15 August 2016

A grandmother who was left fighting for her life after a car ploughed into a charity shop in south-east London has died.

The 67-year-old charity shop volunteer, from Bromley, was trapped in the building in Petts Wood following the crash just after 4pm on Thursday.

She was inside charity shop Give2Give on Queensway when the car smashed into the shop front.

Bystanders then rushed to her aid in order to lift the vehicle and free her after the accident, witnesses said.

She was taken by air ambulance to an east London hospital in a life-threatening condition but died on Sunday, police today confirmed. Her next of kin have been told and a post-mortem is due to take place.

The driver of the car, an 85-year-old man, stopped at the scene and will be questioned by police.

Detectives from the Metropolitan Police serious collision investigation unit are appealing for witnesses.

Bouquets of flowers have been left outside the charity shop Give2Give, which has now been boarded up.

People working nearby expressed their sadness and said they felt "sick" at the news.

Mehmet Ali, who runs El Kervan takeaway and restaurant, said: "Her son came in yesterday, he's a good friend and good customer. We knew she was one of the ladies in the shop.

"I think there's shock and obviously a bit of disbelief for how long it took them to get underneath the car. There was about 15 of us to lift up the car."

Omer Kagan, who owns Expressions Dry Cleaners near to the charity shop, said: "It's a devastating thing. The lady was doing voluntary work, in the workplace, and this is unbelievably incredible that this can come an find you where you are working.

"It's devastating news for everybody. I didn't know her but I knew a couple of the other people working in there."

The owner of iFloat Spa, which is next to the charity shop, said: "It's a sad story. We all pay our respects and our hearts go out to the family. Everybody's bringing flowers."

Dramatic images showed police, ambulance and fire crews at the scene of the smash last Thursday.

Last week Omar Kara, a member of staff at neighbouring Uskudar restaurant told the Standard that the driver had left Morrison's car park - opposite the charity shop - and careered straight into the store.

He said: "The driver came straight out of Morrison's car park. It looks very bad.

"Emergency services were trying to free the woman for about an hour."

Police have made no arrests and enquiries are continuing. They have asked anyone with information to contact detectives on 0208 285 1574. You can also call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 if you do not want to give your name.

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