A MAN has been charged over the death of a three-year-old girl who was killed when a van smashed into a tram.
Louisa Palmisano was walking on Mosley Street, Manchester, just before 10am on Saturday when a van reportedly rebounded off a tram and hit her.
Rawal Rehman, 35, appeared at Manchester Magistrates’ Court today, Greater Manchester Police said.
He has been charged with causing death by dangerous driving and remanded in custody.
Rehman will next appear at Manchester Crown Court on March 26.
It comes after Lulu’s heartbroken parents paid tribute to their “sweetest, kindest, and most generous” tot.
They said: “Louisa (Lulu) was the sweetest, kindest, and most generous little girl.
“She was full of creativity and joy, and she absolutely loved going to nursery every day.
“Her absence has left a devastating void in our family—she was our only child, our whole world.
“We were simply enjoying a happy family day out in Manchester when this unimaginable tragedy struck. In an instant, our lives were shattered beyond repair.
“The pain of losing her is unbearable, and we miss her more than words can ever express.”
Emergency services were called to the scene after a white Mercedes-Benz van smashed into a tram.
The vehicle was forced onto the pavement where it struck the toddler.
Lulu was rushed to hospital but tragically passed away a short while later.
Cops arrested Rehman, who had fled the scene, on Monday.
Detective Sergeant Andrew Page, of our Serious Collision Investigation Unit, added: “The family are being supported by specialist officers and have requested that the public and press respect their privacy at this time.
“We have arrested a suspect and have brought him into custody.
“This is still an active investigation, and we are looking for anyone who has any information regarding the case to come forward to get in touch with us.
“Please contact police on 0161 856 4741 quoting the log number 1086 of 22/02/25.
“Alternatively, details can be shared on our LiveChat function on our website www.gmp.police.uk or via the independent charity, Crimestoppers, anonymously on 0800 555 111.”
This follows how shop workers nearby recalled their horror after hearing a loud “crash” and then seeing the damaged van.
One woman, who didn’t wish to be named, said she’d heard that a girl had been injured in the collision, but didn’t realise the youngster had died.
Another shop keeper told The Sun: “It looked like the tram had hit the van to one side.
“The collision must have made the van go onto the pavement where it hit the poor girl.”
Another added: “I can’t imagine what her parents are going through.
“It’s awful to lose a daughter like that. They must be completely heartbroken.”
