Ealing Bus Driver in Court Over Fatal Collision
Faces dangerous driving charge after death of Kathleen Finnegan
Kathleen Finnegan died outside Victoria Station. Picture: Met Police
October 14, 2025
A bus driver from Ealing has appeared in court following the death of Kathleen Finnegan, 56, who was struck and killed by a double-decker bus outside Victoria Station on 29 January 2024. The incident occurred during rush hour on Victoria Street outside Victoria Station
The driver, Mirsime Berisha, 48, was operating a Volvo double-decker bus when it collided with Ms Finnegan, a property executive from New Malden known for her volunteer work with homeless charities. Ms Berisha has been charged with causing death by dangerous driving and is currently pleading not guilty. Berisha was released on unconditional bail and is due to appear at the Old Bailey for a plea and trial preparation hearing on 10 November.
Emergency services, including land and air ambulance crews, responded swiftly to the scene, but Ms Finnegan was pronounced dead shortly after the collision. Her family described her as a “whirlwind” with a sharp Irish wit, deeply loved by her relatives and friends. Tributes poured in from both sides of the Irish Sea, with her niece Katrina Finnegan noting that Kathleen had been “extremely happy” during a recent visit home to Ireland.
The case has prompted renewed scrutiny of pedestrian safety around London’s bus stations. Ms Finnegan was one of nine pedestrians killed in bus-related collisions in a six-month period, according to her family. They have criticised Transport for London (TfL) for its lack of communication following the incident, only receiving engagement after intervention from local MP Sir Ed Davey.
Mayor of London Sadiq Khan has since apologised to the family and pledged a full review of safety procedures at Victoria Station and across the TfL bus network. “No one should be injured going about their business in London,” he said, acknowledging the need for improved response protocols and safer infrastructure.
Witnesses to the collision are still being urged to contact the Metropolitan Police quoting reference CAD 1417/29Jan.
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