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Man Arrested for Careless Driving After Taxi Death

By Drooid · Sep 28, 2026, 10:07 AM UTC · How we work

Summary

Taxi Driver Arrested

A 68-year-old man was arrested for causing death by careless driving after a taxi struck Melissa Premaratne.
Police responded to North Road, Highgate at 08:13 hrs on 24 September 2024.
The collision involved an Addison Lee Mercedes Vito people carrier owned by the private-hire firm.
The arrested driver was released on bail while enquiries continue.
Labour MP Tulip Siddiq said she was devastated and offered support to the victim’s family.

Summary

London Services Respond

London Ambulance Service dispatched an ambulance crew, fast-response cars, a motorcycle responder and a paramedic at 8:11 am.
London Fire Brigade and London’s Air Ambulance attended North Road scene with police.
Authorities closed North Road and urged the public to avoid the Highgate area.
Addison Lee said the vehicle was a Mercedes Vito people carrier from its fleet.
Police cited case CAD1525/24Sept as the arrested driver stayed at the scene unharmed.

History

Historical Context

On 7 July 2005, coordinated suicide bombings struck London’s transport network, killing 52 civilians and prompting a massive emergency response. The London Ambulance Service dispatched over 700 crews, the London Fire Brigade attended 12 sites, and the Metropolitan Police coordinated evacuations, costing £1 billion in damages. Similarly, the 24 September 2024 Highgate crash saw Addison Lee’s Mercedes Vito collide with a pedestrian, prompting rapid deployment of the same three agencies. The 2005 incident demonstrated that coordinated multi-agency protocols can save lives, urging authorities to refine private-hire vehicle regulations and response training.

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Taxi Driver Arrested

A 68-year-old man was arrested for causing death by careless driving after a taxi struck Melissa Premaratne.
Police responded to North Road, Highgate at 08:13 hrs on 24 September 2024.
The collision involved an Addison Lee Mercedes Vito people carrier owned by the private-hire firm.
The arrested driver was released on bail while enquiries continue.
Labour MP Tulip Siddiq said she was devastated and offered support to the victim’s family.

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