Two women critically hurt by carnival minibus

Two women were fighting for their lives today after being struck by a minibus carrying performers from the carnival.

The pedestrians, aged 22 and 35, sustained life-threatening injuries after being hit by the 17 seater vehicle, which had mounted the pavement at about 2.30am in South Lambeth Road, Vauxhall.

Two other pedestrians were also injured. A 23-year-old woman escaped with a broken leg and nose and a 23-year-old man suffered a minor skull fracture. All four remain in hospital.

The 31-year-old woman driver of the minibus was breathalysed at the scene by police but no arrests were made. She is also in hospital being treated for shock.

A police spokesman said: "A minibus carrying a band of young people who had taken part in the carnival mounted the kerb last night hitting four pedestrians. Investigations are continuing. No arrests have been made."

A large section of South Lambeth Road - a busy commuter route - was closed this morning.

A London Ambulance Service spokeswoman said: "The two women have sustained serious head injuries."