Home   Thanet   News   Article

Ramsgate: Vigil held for two people who died after family hit with car in Leopold Street

A moment of silence was held tonight at a vigil in honour of a father and daughter killed after being hit by a car in Ramsgate.

Around 100 people attended the gathering in Leopold Street - nearly 24 hours after a family-of-five were hit by a black Alfa Romeo.

People attended a vigil tonight and held a moment's silence following the double tragedy car crash last night. Picture: Sam Lennon
People attended a vigil tonight and held a moment's silence following the double tragedy car crash last night. Picture: Sam Lennon

A father and daughter, who have been named as Yoram Hirshfeld, 78, and Noga Sella, 40, in Israeli media reports, suffered fatal injuries in the crash.

A young girl was also seriously hurt and is being treated at a London hospital, while a man in his 40s and a young boy both suffered minor injuries.

Mrs Sella was a consultant physicist living in Cambridge with her family.

Her father is understood to have been visiting from Israel.

Tonight, a bench, next to the spot where the car had stopped and damaged the wall, was completely covered by floral tributes and candles were also left next to it.

Flower tributes cover a bench at the scene
Flower tributes cover a bench at the scene
Mayor of Ramsgate Cllr Raushan Ara at tonight's vigil
Mayor of Ramsgate Cllr Raushan Ara at tonight's vigil

A minute's silence took place at 7.05pm and there was a multi faith prayer session, including for both Christian and Jewish faiths.

The vigil had been led by Mayor of Ramsgate Cllr Raushan Ara who is the ward district councillor for the scene of the tragedy.

She said: "It is very tragic for the whole community.

"We are all shaken by this tragic accident.

"On behalf of the people of Ramsgate we have organised this vigil to stand together as a community and pay our respects.

Noga Sella was killed when her family was struck by a car in Ramsgate. Picture: Facebook
Noga Sella was killed when her family was struck by a car in Ramsgate. Picture: Facebook

"Ramsgate town council's flag is also at half mast."

Helene Cohen, wife of Rabbi Cliff Cohen, of the Thanet and District Reform Synagogue in Ramsgate, also attended tonight.

She said: "We heard the victims were from an Israeli family. I said a prayer in our faith for when someone has died during this vigil because it felt the right thing to do."

The Jerusalem Post - Israel's most-read English news website - reports that Israel's Ministry of Foreign Affairs has received details of the accident, and consul head Sima Duvdevani is in contact with the victims’ families.

Helene Cohen, wife of Rabbi Cliff Cohen
Helene Cohen, wife of Rabbi Cliff Cohen

The incident happened outside the multi-storey car park in Leopold Street at about 9.35pm last night.

A 30-year-old man from the town was arrested on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving and leaving the scene of an accident.

"He is also currently receiving hospital treatment for minor injuries," a police spokesman added.

"Enquiries into the incident are being carried out by officers from the Serious Collision Investigation Unit, who are keen to hear from any witnesses, local businesses with CCTV evidence or drivers with relevant dashcam footage."

Please call the appeal line on 01622 798538 quoting reference DS/DGC/090/22.

One eyewitness told KentOnline there were three fire engines, five ambulances and "at least 15 police cars" at the scene.

Fire engines at the scene in Leopold Street, Ramsgate. Picture: Stacey Sage
Fire engines at the scene in Leopold Street, Ramsgate. Picture: Stacey Sage

This morning an area of Leopold Street had been taped off.

A wall, opposite the entrance to the Royal Harbour multi-storey car park, has been damaged and a road sign knocked to the floor.

A bench has also been removed.

Close This site uses cookies. By continuing to browse the site you are agreeing to our use of cookies.Learn More