A scene of “utter panic” unfolded after a car crashed through a fence and onto a sports pitch, tragically killing one child and injuring another.

The incident occurred at Kendal Rugby Club at approximately 5:00 PM GMT on Wednesday, according to Cumbria Police.

Eyewitness Scott Denney described the terrifying events, saying it “happened so quickly.” He recalled: “As we were just stepping onto the pitch, a car came through the barriers at the top and landed right on the field.”

The male driver, aged in his 40s, was arrested at the scene on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving.

Denney, whose son participates in the GT7 Football Academy that holds training sessions at the rugby club, expressed disbelief over how the car ended up on the field. He described the scene as one of “sheer panic” and added, “It was just a horrible experience.”

He noted that while the children were understandably frightened, the coaches managed the situation admirably. “The coaches got the children off the field and away from the crash site quickly,” he said. “Families in the area also came together to support the parents and friends of the victims.”

The rugby club remains a crime scene, with two bent and damaged fence panels still visible on the pitch.

Local Member of Parliament Tim Farron expressed his deep sorrow, calling the news of the crash “utterly devastating.” He described the community’s response as one of collective shock and grief, saying, “The whole town is heartbroken over this tragedy.”

What Cumbria Police has said: 

Police were contacted at 4:58pm today with a report of a collision involving a car and two children on a pitch at Kendal Rugby Union Football Club on Shap Road.

Police can confirm that one of the children involved has sadly died.

The second child involved in this collision is being treated by paramedics.

Specialist investigators are at the scene and the area has been cordoned off as initial investigation enquiries take place.

The driver of the car, a man aged in his 40s, has been arrested on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving. The car involved was a black BMW i40.