Catherine ‘Kathleen’ Finnegan

THE family of a woman killed in a collision with a bus paid tribute to a “beloved daughter, sister, partner, most adored auntie and treasured friend”.

Catherine Finnegan, from Ireland, died at Victoria bus station in the Monday morning rush hour.

The 56-year-old, known as Kathleen, died despite efforts to save her by emergency crews and police who were called at 9am.

“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,” her family said in a statement following the tragedy.

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

It added: “Our beloved daughter, sister, partner, most adored auntie and treasured friend Catherine Finnegan, known as Kathleen, lost her life on 29th January 2024.”

It comes less than three years after Melissa Burr, 32, was killed when she was hit by a bus at the bus station. A 61-year-old bus driver accidentally accelerated into the back of a stationary bus, shunting it into her.

Olusofa Popoola had pressed the accelerator rather than the brake, shunting it forward into a stationary bus which then went on to hit Ms Burr on August 10 2021. He was cleared of causing death by dangerous driving following a trial at the Old Bailey, but convicted of a lesser charge and given an 18-month suspended sentence.

Following Ms Finnegan’s death, Cities of London and Westminster MP Nickie Aiken said she was concerned about passenger safety at the bus station, adding: “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.

“There is obviously a serious issue here. We don’t know the reasons behind this particular accident but we will find out,” she told the BBC.

The driver of the bus, a woman aged 46, was also taken to hospital and later discharged.

Police are appealing for information and any witnesses are urged to call 020 8543 5157 quoting CAD1417/29Jan.