A heavily pregnant woman, 38, and her unborn baby have died after the vehicle they were in was hit by an unmarked Met police car.
The tragic incident happened in Eltham yesterday at 6.15pm on the A20 near the junction with Kidbrooke Park Road.
London Ambulance Service, London Fire Brigade and London’s Air Ambulance all attended.
It is not known if the unmarked police car was responding to an emergency incident at the time of the crash, with the force launching an investigation into the circumstances.
Following the shocking crash the busy road was closed for 12 hours in both directions and buses in the area had to be diverted.
Pictures show the roof of the car scattered across the ground after it is believed firefighters were forced to cut through the vehicle to access the woman.
A second car can be seen in the image which also shows a police officer stood next to the vehicles.
Emergency service vehicles with blue lights were pictured at the scene with a police cordon set up around the incident.
An air ambulance descended on the scene but the woman’s injuries were so serious she could not be saved.
Floral tributes have been left at the scene along with a candle and cards with one wellwisher writing ‘my deepest thoughts are with you and your baby, your family and friends’
The note continuned: ‘The most awful tragedy that should never of happened and I hope your family get some justice.
‘RIP beautiful lady and your baby.’
The woman’s family have been informed of her death and are being supported by specially trained officers.
Detective Chief Superintendent Trevor Lawry, in charge of policing in Greenwich, said: ‘My heart goes out to the woman’s family and friends who have lost their loved ones in these tragic circumstances.
‘An investigation into the circumstances of this collision is under way by the Independent Office for Police Conduct and we will assist with their enquiries in any way we can.
‘A road closure will remain at the scene today and I am grateful for the patience of the local motorists, who will need to use alternative routes.’
Two officers who were in the unmarked car were also taken to hospital following the collision. They have since been discharged.
Little evidence remains of the crash, with the emergency service cordon removed and traffic returned to normal and a small amount of police tape remaining on one lamppost.
An IOPC spokesperson has since confirmed they have launched an independent investigation into incident.
The spokesperson said: ‘We were notified that an unmarked police vehicle was in collision with a member of public’s vehicle at around 6.15pm on the A20, near the junction with Kidbrooke Park Road, Eltham, SE9.
‘We understand that the driver, and sole occupant, of the vehicle was a heavily pregnant woman. Ambulance and fire services attended, and she was given treatment.
‘The woman and her baby sadly both died.
‘We sent investigators to the scene and post-incident process to begin gathering evidence. Our investigation is in the very early stages.
‘Our thoughts are with the family and friends of the woman who has died and all of those affected by this tragic incident.’
A London Fire Brigade spokesperson said: ‘Crews responded to a road traffic collision involving two vehicles near the junction of Eltham Road and Sidcup Road, in Eltham last night (October 17).
‘Firefighters worked to release two people who had become trapped as a result of the incident and carried out operations to make the scene safe.
‘Crews coordinated their response alongside colleagues from the London Ambulance Service and Metropolitan Police Service.
‘The Brigade was first called about the collision at 1821, and the incident was over for crews by 2009. Firefighters from Eltham and Lewisham fire stations attended the scene.’