Seven people were hospitalized after a Jeep Wrangler crashed through the exterior wall of a shopping mall and into a fitness centre in north London on Friday morning.
The collision occurred around 7:40 a.m. when the vehicle entered the building through its west side, striking an area occupied by a group fitness class attended by about 30 women.
London police said seven people, including the driver, sustained injuries. One victim was trapped beneath the vehicle and was later rescued by emergency crews. Authorities reported one person in critical condition, another with serious injuries, and five others with injuries described as fair.
Police indicated that evidence gathered so far suggests the vehicle accelerated into the building. Investigators have ruled out any indication of terrorism and expect criminal charges to be laid against the driver.
Firefighters worked to stabilize the damaged structure while members of the Major Crime Section and Road Safety Section examined the scene, reviewed surveillance footage, and interviewed witnesses. The investigation remains ongoing.
Update – A 59-year-old London woman, Jennifer Lynn Hopper, is facing six counts of criminal negligence causing bodily harm. The charges were announced by London police on Monday, and Hopper appeared in court the same day.
Updated conditions of those involved indicate that one person remains in critical condition, one is in good condition, one is in fair condition, and four have been discharged from hospital.