Ms Finnegan died in the incident early yesterday morning when the Number 13 bus crashed into a shelter at the busy station.
Her family this evening released a moving tribute to their “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,” they said in a statement.
“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.”
Members of the emergency services battled to save her life but she was pronounced dead at the scene.
Metropolitan police units, as well as officers from British Transport Police and the London Ambulance Service attended the scene.
A London Ambulance spokesperson said it sent two ambulance crews and a medic in a fast-response car. “We also dispatched London’s Air Ambulance and treated three people at the scene.
“One person was taken to hospital and another was assessed and discharged. Unfortunately, despite our teams’ best efforts, one person was pronounced dead at the scene.”
London Metropolitan Police is appealing for witnesses after the fatal incident.
“We were called at 08:59hrs on Monday, 29 January to reports of a collision involving a bus and a pedestrian outside London Victoria Railway Station.
“The pedestrian, a 56-year-old woman from South London, died at the scene. Her family have been informed and our thoughts are with them.
“The driver of the bus, a woman aged 46, was also taken to hospital. She has since been discharged from hospital.
“Serious collision detectives are carrying out enquiries to establish what happened.
“Any witnesses who can help the investigation are asked to call 0044 208 543 5157 quoting CAD 1417/29Jan,” the London Met spokesman said.
The station was cordoned off after the incident and a blue forensic tent placed over the scene. A large black tarpaulin was then placed around the perimeter.
London’s mayor Sadiq Khan said he had been told of the tragic news.
“My thoughts are with the bereaved family, it’s really important that we allow them to be informed first about this tragedy. There is a full investigation under way. I’m sure I speak for all of us when I say our thoughts and prayers are with this person’s family,” he told reporters.
In August 2021 a woman from Kent was killed at the same station when she was hit by a bus after the driver pressed the accelerator instead of the brake.
Melissa Burr (32) died when a bus driver shunted into a stationary bus when he pressed the accelerator in error. The stationary bus then jumped forward and hit Ms Burr who subsequently died from multiple injuries.
The driver later in court admitted causing Ms Burr’s death by careless driving.
https://www.independent.ie/irish-news/forever-in-our-hearts-catherine-family-pay-tribute-to-galway-woman-killed-after-struck-by-bus-in-london/a220801779.html
