Driver appears in court after ‘sweetest’ girl, 3, killed when van ricocheted off tram and smashed into her
A DRIVER has has appeared in court over the death of a three-year-old girl who was killed when a van smashed into a tram.
Louisa Palmisano was walking in Manchester when a van ricocheted off a tram and ploughed into her.
The youngster – known as Lulu – tragically couldn’t be saved and died shortly after the horror last month.
Rawal Rehman, 35, appeared at Manchester Crown Court today charged with causing death by dangerous driving.
No pleas were entered and he was remanded into custody ahead of a hearing next month at the same court.
The horror unfolded on February 22 as Lulu walked on Mosley Street just before 10am during a visit to Manchester with her parents.
A white Mercedes-Benz van smashed into a tram then mounted the pavement before hitting the youngster.
Lulu’s parents paid tribute to the little girl, saying: “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.”