Northern Ireland

Family of Irishwoman who died in London Victoria bus accident remembers ‘unique lady’ with ‘fast Irish wit’

Catherine Finnegan, originally from Galway, died after being struck by a bus on Monday morning

The scene where a pedestrian was killed at London Victoria bus station in central London
Emergency services at the scene of the accident that led to the death of Catherine Finnegan (Jamie Lashmar/PA)
By John Breslin

An Irishwoman who died after being struck by a bus at a busy London transport hub was remembered by her family as a “unique lady” with a “fast Irish wit”.

Catherine Finnegan (56) and originally from Galway, died at the scene of the accident around 9am on Monday at Victoria Station in the centre of the city. It was reported a double decker bus collided with a shelter leading to the tragedy that left the driver and another pedestrian injured.

Catherine Finnegan, who died at the scene of Monday's accident at Victoria Bus Station. Picture courtesy of Met Police
Catherine Finnegan, who died at the scene of Monday's accident at Victoria Bus Station (Metropolitan Police)

In a statement, the family described Ms Finnegan, known as Kathleen, as a “beloved daughter, sister, partner, most adored auntie and treasured friend”.

“She will be remembered as a very unique lady who had the fast Irish wit and who made her family and friends so very proud of her bright, clever personality,” the family said.

“She was a whirlwind in any room and lit up this world with her energy, enthusiasm for life and joy. She will be forever in our hearts.”

Emergency services were called to the scene of the incident at Victoria’s bus station shortly before 9am. Land and air ambulance crews battled to save the pedestrian, a 56-year-old woman, but she died at the scene, the Evening Standard reported.

Emergency services were investigating the cause of the tragedy on Monday
Emergency services are investigating the cause of Monday's tragedy (Jamie Lashmar/PA)

Transport for London chief operating officer Glynn Barton said the bus station had a “full safety assessment” following the crash but that investigations were continuing.

The Metropolitan Police said the bus driver, a 46-year-old woman, was taken to hospital and had since been discharged. A third person was treated by paramedics at the scene.

“Serious collision detectives are carrying out inquiries to establish what happened,” the Met said.

In 2021, Melissa Burr (32) was killed when she was hit by a bus at Victoria Bus Station while using a pedestrian walkway.

Melissa Burr died after a crash involving two buses outside Victoria station in central London in August 2021 (Metropolitan Police/PA)
Melissa Burr died after a crash involving two buses outside Victoria station in central London in August 2021 (Metropolitan Police/PA)

Nickie Aiken, the Cities of London and Westminster MP, said: she remains concerned about passenger safety at the bus station.

“I use the bus and I use the Tube there and I know how small and compact it is. There are thousands upon thousands of commuters coming in and out every day,” Ms Aiken told the BBC.

“It’s a tragedy to have a second death within a few years... and now sadly this second one after safety works have taken place.