A young woman who died after a road crash had suffered a severed spinal cord, a court has heard.

Maryam Nabil Shuwey, 18, of Plaistow Grove, Stratford, died after being struck by a vehicle on October 15, said coroner’s officer Jean Smyth. 

An inquest into her death was opened by coroner Nadia Persaud at East London Coroner’s Court, Walthamstow, on Tuesday, October 29.

“On the 15th of October 2024, outside 566 Barking Road, a motor vehicle hit the deceased and continued for around 50 metres, colliding with street furniture and other vehicles, where both vehicle and pedestrian came to a stop,” Mrs Smyth testified under oath.

Police were dispatched to the scene at around 3.40pm after reports of a Nissan Juke mounting the pavement.

Two off-duty police officers rushed to her aid, as did members of the public, until the London Ambulance Service and an air ambulance arrived – but Miss Shuwey's life could not be saved.

She was pronounced dead at 4.20pm by a doctor from the Helicopter Emergency Medical Service (HEMS).

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A post-mortem examination at East Ham Mortuary on October 18 found she had suffered a “high cervical spine injury with complete cervical spinal cord transection”.

“This case continues to be investigated by the traffic collision unit,” said Mrs Smyth.

Mrs Persaud told the court: “I would like the police investigation report provided to me – so that’s the forensic collision investigator’s report, together with all of the supporting evidence.

“Also, a report from the senior investigating officer in relation to whether there are going to be any criminal charges.”

The coroner set a provisional inquest date of April 23.

However, if criminal charges are filed, the inquest will have to be postponed until after any trial.

“If the inquest is to proceed, I would like a statement from the family, and also the post-mortem report,” said Mrs Persaud.

“If the police are not going to bring charges in a crown court then the driver and the family will be interested persons to the resumed inquest.”

Interested persons have the right to interrogate evidence and question witnesses.

*A 45-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving, but has been released on bail pending further enquiries.

Police urged anyone who witnessed the incident or had footage to call the serious collision witness line on 0208 597 4878 and quote the reference 4765/15OCT.