Hundreds of people gathered for a vigil to honor Aalia Mahomed, a university student who lost her life after being struck by a van on The Strand.
The 20-year-old, who was studying Physics & Philosophy, was fatally injured near the King’s College London campus on the morning of Tuesday, March 18. One week later, mourners assembled at St Mary le Strand Church to lay flowers and pay their respects.
Dressed in her favorite shade of dark green, university staff and students observed a minute of silence at 11:41 a.m.—the exact time of the tragic accident.
Attendees embraced, some shedding tears, as friends and family shared heartfelt memories of Aalia.
Her nieces, Sara and Soya, reflected on her name’s Arabic meaning, describing her as someone who held a special place in their hearts. "Aalia was our world. She had an infectious laugh that would linger for days and a smile we would do anything to see again," they said.
They recalled fond nights spent watching movies and indulging in snacks, amazed they never fell ill from the sheer amount they consumed. "She was always full of joy—never upset or in a bad mood. She had the purest heart. If she doesn’t enter Jannah (heaven), I don’t know who will," they added.
"Aalia was a treasure to us all. My mum looked forward to seeing her every day, and my dad adored her baking, especially her cakes and brownies."
Aalia’s aunt, who preferred to remain unnamed, dedicated a poem to her, calling her “an angel among us.”
“You were bright, beautiful, and always radiated happiness, never speaking ill of anyone,” she said.
“Your laughter still echoes through our home. Fly high, my angel—one day, we will reunite among the stars.”
During the vigil, speakers also extended their well-wishes to the two King’s College London students who were injured in the incident, wishing them a speedy recovery.
In Aalia’s memory, condolence books have been placed in the Strand Chaplaincy room and in the Physics and Philosophy departments, allowing students to share their thoughts and prayers. Additionally, a cherry tree has been planted outside the church, surrounded by tributes and flowers.
The vigil concluded with a touching quote from Swiss philosopher Henri-Frédéric Amiel:
"Life is short. We don’t have much time to gladden the hearts of those who walk this way with us. So, be swift to love and make haste to be kind."
Emergency services responded swiftly to the collision last Tuesday, but Ms. Mahomed was pronounced dead at the scene.
King’s College London Vice-Chancellor Shitij Kapur described the accident as a “senseless tragedy” in a statement last Thursday, confirming that another student remained hospitalized with serious injuries.
Authorities arrested the van’s 26-year-old driver on suspicion of causing death by careless driving. While in custody, he was further arrested on suspicion of drug-related driving offenses. He has since been released on bail with conditions as investigations continue.
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