‘Bright’ student, 20, hit and killed by van as she sat on bench

A ‘BRIGHT’ student, 20, was hit and killed by a van while sitting on a bench as the driver is charged.

Aalia Mahome was struck after the vehicle ploughed into a group of people outside King’s College in London, on March 18 last year.

The university student was tragically pronounced dead at the scene, on the Strand at around 11.40am.

The 20-year-old was in her second year of a physics and philosophy degree at the time of the crash.

A 27-year-old woman was also rushed to hospital in serious condition after the horror but her injuries were not believed to be life threatening.

Paramedics took a 23-year-old man to hospital but he was discharged shortly afterwards.

Driver Christopher Jackson, 27, today appeared at Westminster Magistrates’ Court charged with causing death by dangerous driving and two counts of causing serious injury by dangerous driving over the incident.

Prosecutor Rachel Darlington told the court the van rammed through a metal gate before hitting the bench where Aalia was sitting.

Jackson, wearing a black shirt and black trousers, spoke to confirm his identity and was not asked to enter a plea to the charges.

The 27-year-old, of Walton Road in Southampton, was released on conditional bail.

He is next set to appear at the Old Bailey on February 2.

In a statement, Aalia’s family said previously: “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.”