Woman killed and girl fights for life after 1.40am crash

A CAR crash in the early hours of New Year's Day left one dead, one fighting for her life and five injured.

A black Chevrolet Captiva with seven passengers veered off West Hall Road in Eltham and crashed into a tree.

The fatality was a 21-year-old woman who was travelling in the front passenger seat. Scotland Yard is waiting until her family is informed before releasing her name.

The girl left fighting for her life is believed to be aged about eight and is in hospital with pelvic, lung and wrist injuries.

Another girl of similar age has a serious head injury and arm and leg fractures and a boy, thought to be four, has a fractured jaw and leg.

Three adults are also in hospital although none of their injuries is life-threatening.

Residents told how their revels were interrupted by the crash at 1.40am.

Rui Dias, 32, said: "We were just watching TV when we heard a huge bang. We were confused and thought it was fireworks at first."

Steven Coles, 55, a first aid trainer, said: "The boy was screaming that he wanted to get out. He had blood coming out of his nose and mouth. We got him out and put a coat over him until the ambulances arrived."

Police said no other cars were involved and have appealed for witnesses who should contact the Collision Investigation Unit at Catford on 020 8285 1574.