Teenage girl killed in horror crash that saw car smash into shop front during police chase
Victim killed after fleeing car speeds down one-way lane in the wrong direction
THE first picture of a teen killed when a car fleeing from police smashed into a shop in Luton has emerged.
Wanessa Lewandowska, 15, was pronounced dead at the scene of the horror crash.
She was a passenger in the black and grey Volkswagen Golf as it was chased down a narrow one-way lane going in the wrong direction.
It hit an electronics shop on High Town Road in the Bedfordshire town.
Tributes to the victim, who was also known as Nessa Marie, have been posted online.
Her mother Violetta said on Facebook last night: "Life is not a fairy tale and the need to continue to live" (sic).
Friends described her as a "beautiful young girl" in a series of tributes on social media.
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One said: "Rest in perfect peace gorgeous.
"Such a young beautiful life got taken away too quick!"
Another friend said: "So sad, such a young beautiful girl! Rest in piece Nessa Marie my heart and prayers go out to your family."
A man who is thought to be the driver was airlifted to hospital with serious injuries after the collision at about 10:20pm on Tuesday.
Two other men who are thought to have been travelling in the car at the time of the collision or immediately prior to it have been identified, one was treated for minor injuries.
The Independent Police Complaints Commission is investigating whether or not police chasing the car may have caused it to crash.
An eyewitness told a BBC reporter: "I heard all the sirens, then saw this car flying up the road.
"Next minute, in a split second there was a big bang and the car had gone straight into the building there.
"There were people on the street as it happened, just walking to and from home, going out, it was manic."
Horrific pictures show the force of the impact as the car smashed into the shop.
There are fears that the building could collapse when the car is removed.
Bedfordshire Assistant Chief Constable Mike Colbourne said: “First and foremost our thoughts are with the friends and family of this young girl who has died in such tragic circumstances.
"We have specialist officers supporting the families of the girl and the injured parties during this difficult time.
"We are continuing to investigate the cause of the collision and I would urge anyone who saw what happened, or the vehicle prior to the collision, to call police."
People with information are being invited to contact the police on 101 quoting "Operation Darwin".
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