A student who died in a fatal collision in Aldwych has been described by her family as a ‘kind and beautiful soul.’ 

Aalia Mahomed, 20, was run down and killed by an out-of-control van on The Strand in central London on Tuesday.

She had been sitting on a bench outside King’s College London where she studied when she was fatally injured. 

The van is believed to have hit the metal border of a flower bed before flying into the air and hitting Aliyah and her two friends. 

In a statement, her family said: ‘Aalia was a bright, kind and beautiful soul, who brought joy and laughter to everyone. 

‘She was a ray of sunshine in our lives, and will be deeply missed by all her family and friends. Her light will always live on in our memories and her smile will be our strength as we get through this difficult time.’

Aalia Mahomed, 20, was run down and killed by an out-of-control van on The Strand in central London on Tuesday

The van is believed to have hit the metal border of a flower bed before flying into the air and hitting Aliyah and two friends

The van is pictured behind a police cordon near a blue forensic tent and police officers

A screen is erected by emergency services at the scene in central London

Bunches of tulips, roses and bouquets of flowers have been placed by the gates of St Mary le Strand church where the van came to a halt. 

Emergency services were called to the scene close to The Strand, near Kings College London campus at 11.40am on Tuesday after the crash.

Aalia was pronounced dead at the scene. Her family continue to be supported by specialist officers and have asked for privacy.

A 27-year-old woman was also taken to hospital, where she is still in a serious condition but is expected to survive. 

And a 23-year-old man who was taken to hospital has since been discharged.

Police arrested the driver of the van, a 26-year-old man at the scene on suspicion of causing death by careless driving. 

Bunches of tulips, roses and bouquets of flowers have been placed by the gates of St Mary le Strand church where the van came to a halt

Today Westminster Council workers removed a rubbish bin that had been crushed in the smash

Floral tributes have been laid at the scene on The Strand in central London

A woman is comforted near the scene of the crash, which occurred just before 12pm on Tuesday

He was further arrested whilst in custody on suspicion of drug-driving offences. He has since been bailed with conditions while enquiries continue.

Anyone with information is asked to call police on 101 or post @MetCC ref CAD 2771/18MARCH.

To remain 100 per cent anonymous contact the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

Students at King’s College London have also issued a statement complaining about how the university has handled the death. 

It read: ‘To Whom It May Concern. During the morning of the 18th of March a tragic incident occurred outside of the Stand campus, where an innocent life was lost and others were severely injured.

‘The response from King’s College London has, unfortunately, been both inadequate and insensitive’. 

Professor Shitij Kapur, Vice-Chancellor and President of King’s College London said: ‘A senseless tragedy struck our campus on Tuesday – a tragedy that has led to the loss of life of one of our students, Aalia Mahomed. 

‘Aalia was in her second year of study for her BSc in Physics & Philosophy in the Faculty of Natural, Mathematical & Engineering Sciences and Faculty of Arts & Humanities. 

‘Our thoughts are with her family, friends and loved ones during this incredibly difficult time, and we offer them our deepest condolences. Aalia’s family has asked that we respect their privacy as they mourn the loss of their daughter.

‘Another of our students is still in hospital and is in our thoughts. We are in touch with their family to ensure they feel supported.

‘We cannot at this time share details of the accident as it remains a matter of active investigation by the police and we are in contact with the relevant authorities.

‘Words often bring little comfort at these difficult times when what has happened cannot be reversed – but I hope that in supporting our students and staff, and honoring and remembering what has been lost, we will find a way forward.’