A 16-year-old girl has died after being struck by a private hire vehicle on her way to school in Highgate yesterday morning.
The Year 12 pupil at Highgate School was hit on North Road, north London, shortly after 8am on Thursday 24 September 2026. Emergency services rushed to the scene, where paramedics treated the teenager but she was pronounced dead.
The Metropolitan Police said officers were called at 8.13am, alongside the London Ambulance Service, London Fire Brigade and London’s Air Ambulance. Cordons were put in place around the area as the investigation got under way, and police urged the public to avoid Highgate while officers carried out enquiries.
A Met spokesperson said: “The pedestrian, a 16-year-old girl, was sadly pronounced dead at the scene.”
“Her next-of-kin has been informed and is being supported by officers at this difficult time.”
“The driver of the car, a 68-year-old man, did not sustain any injuries and remained at the scene.”
“He has since been arrested on suspicion of death by careless driving and taken to custody.”
The vehicle involved belonged to the private hire fleet of Addison Lee, the company confirmed. In a statement, it said: “A collision took place in Highgate this morning at approximately 8:30am involving one of our vehicles which has tragically resulted in the death of a 16-year-old girl. Our thoughts are with her family and all those affected at this incredibly difficult time. As is standard for an incident of this nature, the response is being led by the police, and we are supporting them fully with their investigation. As the facts are still being established, we are unable to comment further at this stage.”
Highgate School paid tribute to the pupil in a statement, saying: “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.”
“This incredibly distressing news has come as a terrible shock to everyone at Highgate.”
“The loss of such a young life, so full of promise and hope, is deeply heartbreaking, and we extend our sincere and heartfelt condolences to her family, friends and all those affected by this awful news.”
The school said the family are being supported by specialist police officers and asked for their privacy to be respected, adding that no further details would be shared at this time.
The Met has previously issued witness appeals following fatal collisions on the capital’s roads, including a Southall collision after which a man was charged and the death of a 68-year-old man in a van collision in Southall.
Anyone with information about the Highgate collision is asked to come forward to police.
Reporting based on: the Metropolitan Police (statement reported by The Sun); Highgate School and Addison Lee via Taxi-Point; PA coverage.
