A shocking incident in central London has thrust two social media influencers into the headlines for all the wrong reasons. On Sunday, April 19, 2026, at around 4:30am, a black car ploughed into a group of pedestrians outside the Inca nightclub on Argyll Street in Soho, Westminster. One of the victims, popular influencer Klaudia Zakrzewska (known online as Klaudiaglam), was left fighting for her life in critical condition. Another man in his 50s suffered life-changing injuries, while a woman in her 30s sustained minor injuries. The Metropolitan Police have charged 29-year-old Gabrielle Carrington — a former X Factor contestant and fellow influencer — with attempted murder, grievous bodily harm with intent, actual bodily harm, and drink-driving. She has been remanded in custody ahead of a court appearance.
Gabrielle Carrington, who performs and posts under the name RIELLEUK, rose to fame as a teenager in 2013 when she reached the live finals of The X Factor UK as part of the girl group Miss Dynamix. The band impressed judges including Gary Barlow with their performances, though they did not win the competition. In the years since, Carrington has built a significant online following, amassing around 362,000 Instagram followers as an influencer. Originally from Manchester, she was arrested at the scene and formally charged on Monday, April 20. Police confirmed the incident is not being treated as terror-related.
The victim, Klaudia Zakrzewska, also known as Klaudiaglam, is a TikTok and Instagram star with more than 250,000 followers on Instagram. She had been enjoying a night out at the Inca nightclub and had posted videos from inside the venue earlier that evening. After the crash, she was rushed to hospital where she remains in a critical, life-threatening condition. A circulating video from the scene reportedly captures the horrifying moment the vehicle mounted the pavement and struck the group. Witnesses described chaos as bystanders screamed and rushed to help those injured.
A third victim, a man in his 50s who was unlocking his e-scooter at the time, sustained life-changing injuries and was also hospitalized. The 30-something woman suffered only minor injuries and was treated at the scene or nearby. Detective Chief Inspector Alison Foxwell of the Metropolitan Police’s Specialist Crime South unit appealed for witnesses, noting that many people were still out in the busy Soho area at that hour. “Our thoughts are with those injured and their loved ones,” she said. “We believe a number of people will have seen what happened… anyone who witnessed the collision, or any activity prior to it… could be of crucial importance.” Information can be passed to police via 101 (reference 3374/19APR) or anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
Details emerging from reports suggest the incident may have followed some form of altercation outside the club, though full circumstances remain under investigation. Carrington was allegedly behind the wheel of the vehicle that struck the pedestrians. She faces multiple serious charges, including attempted murder and grievous bodily harm with intent, which indicate prosecutors believe there was deliberate action involved rather than a simple traffic accident. Drink-driving has also been alleged, adding another layer of severity. The Crown Prosecution Service authorized the charges, emphasizing the gravity of a car being used in a way that endangered lives in a crowded entertainment district.
This case highlights the volatile intersection of influencer culture, nightlife, and social media fame. Both women had cultivated substantial online audiences — Carrington through her music background and lifestyle content, Zakrzewska through glamorous TikTok and Instagram posts. What began as a night out in one of London’s most vibrant party areas ended in tragedy and serious criminal allegations. Soho, particularly around venues like Inca near the London Palladium, is known for late-night crowds, but such a violent outcome is rare and has sent shockwaves through the influencer community and beyond.
As the investigation continues, questions linger about what exactly unfolded in the moments leading up to the crash. Was there a prior dispute between the parties? How much alcohol was involved? Police are reviewing CCTV, witness statements, and the viral video footage to piece together the sequence of events. Carrington’s appearance at Westminster Magistrates’ Court is expected to provide more procedural details, though the full facts may not emerge until a potential trial.
The broader implications touch on road safety, the responsibilities of those in the public eye, and the sometimes blurred lines between personal conflicts and public spaces. Influencers often live highly visible lives, sharing glamorous nights out, but this incident serves as a stark reminder of how quickly situations can escalate with tragic consequences. For now, the focus remains on the victims’ recovery — particularly Klaudia Zakrzewska, who is battling severe injuries — and ensuring justice through the legal process.
Public reaction has been swift, with the story spreading rapidly across UK and international media. Many express horror at the video footage and sympathy for those hurt, while others speculate about the backstory involving two prominent online personalities. However, it is important to remember that Carrington is entitled to the presumption of innocence until proven guilty in a court of law. The Metropolitan Police continue to urge anyone with relevant information, no matter how small, to come forward to assist the inquiry.
In summary, the alleged actions of Gabrielle Carrington have left one influencer fighting for her life, another man with life-altering injuries, and a community stunned by the events outside a popular London nightclub. This case will likely unfold over the coming weeks and months in the courts, shedding more light on the circumstances that led a former X Factor hopeful to face such grave accusations. Our thoughts remain with all those affected by this distressing incident.
