A New Year’s Eve celebration at Primrose Hill in London was marred by a disturbing incident involving a vehicle colliding with pedestrians. Shortly after midnight, amidst the festivities and fireworks display, a car swerved into the crowd, striking a 21-year-old man. Instead of stopping, the driver attempted to flee the scene, subsequently hitting a 59-year-old man further down Primrose Hill Road. The incident unfolded near the Parish Church of St Mary the Virgin, where a New Year’s Eve service was taking place, adding to the chaotic atmosphere. Eyewitnesses described scenes of mayhem and panic as revelers scattered in the aftermath of the collisions.
The area, a popular gathering spot for New Year’s Eve celebrations, was teeming with thousands of people, contributing to the congested conditions and making it difficult for the driver to navigate. The combination of road closures, bottlenecks, and the sheer volume of pedestrians likely exacerbated the situation. Witnesses reported hearing shouting and seeing the car seemingly stuck amidst the crowd before it sped off. The incident prompted a swift response from law enforcement and paramedics, who arrived on the scene to attend to the injured and secure the area.
Video footage captured the immediate aftermath of the collision, showing people fleeing in terror and screaming as the car plowed through the crowd. Police officers can be seen rapidly exiting their vehicle and rushing towards the scene, while bystanders continued to scatter. A local shopkeeper described witnessing police officers running everywhere, highlighting the chaotic and shocking nature of the incident. Medical packs used to treat the injured were strewn across the road the following morning, serving as a stark reminder of the events that had transpired.
The investigation into the incident is ongoing, with detectives meticulously gathering evidence, including dashcam footage and eyewitness accounts, to reconstruct the events leading up to the collisions. The 21-year-old victim sustained minor injuries and did not require medical treatment, while the 59-year-old man was taken to the hospital for further assessment. Fortunately, his injuries were determined to be non-life-threatening. The Metropolitan Police have confirmed that the incident is not being treated as terror-related, allaying fears of a more sinister motive.
A 40-year-old man has been arrested in connection with the incident, facing charges of dangerous driving, causing grievous bodily harm, and possession of controlled drugs. The arrest provides some measure of closure for those affected by the incident and for the wider community. The incident serves as a stark reminder of the potential dangers of large gatherings, particularly during events like New Year’s Eve, where crowds and congested conditions can create hazardous situations.
The incident at Primrose Hill carries an added layer of poignancy due to a previous tragedy that occurred at the same location two years prior. On New Year’s Eve 2022, 16-year-old Harry Pitman was fatally stabbed while watching the fireworks display at the viewpoint. The anniversary of his death loomed large over this year’s celebrations, with his family still grieving the loss of their beloved grandson. The incident underscores the importance of vigilance and safety measures during public gatherings, especially in areas with a history of such incidents.
