Man guilty of killing three-year-old by dangerous driving in Manchester van-tram crash

A man has pleaded guilty today to causing the death of three-year-old Louisa (Lulu) Palmisano by dangerous driving in Manchester city centre, after the van he was driving struck a tram and mounted the pavement.

On 22 February 2025, shortly before 10am, Lulu was walking down Booth Street, holding the hands of both her parents.

Moments later, Rawal Rehman, 36, driving a Mercedes sprinter van, careered into them, causing Lulu fatal injuries.

Abbie Clarke, Senior Crown Prosecutor for CPS North West, said: “This was a devastating incident which shocked our community, and our thoughts go out to Lulu’s family who must bear this unimaginable loss.

“Rawal Rehman ignored the stop signs and tram warning signs when he drove straight into the path of an oncoming tram, and it is clear his driving fell far short of what is expected of a competent and careful driver.

“Rehman failed to take responsibility for his actions. He fled the scene in a taxi and denied that he drove dangerously in interview, only accepting responsibility on his third hearing before the court.

“He must now face the consequences for his role in this wholly avoidable tragedy.”

Facts of the case

Rawal Rehman was driving his van along Nicholas Street, he failed to comply with the stop signs and drove across the junction at Mosley Road.

The tram travelling down Mosley Street had no time to react and collided with the side of the van.

The van careered onto the pavement on Booth Street, hitting Lulu and her parents.

Passersby rushed to assist including a junior doctor. Rehman abandoned his van and left the scene in a taxi.

Lulu was rushed to Manchester Royal Infirmary but her injuries, including a major head trauma, were too severe and she sadly died soon after.

Police traced Rehman from documents found in his van. He was arrested two days later, on 24 February.

In his police interview he accepted that he had been driving at the time of the collision but claimed his driving had not been dangerous.

In relation to fleeing the scene, he claimed to have panicked.

He pleaded guilty at Manchester Crown Court on 22 April 2025. He will be sentenced on 27 May 2025.