10 Apr 2014

Toddler killed in driveway accident

6:36 pm on 10 April 2014

Police are examining an Auckland driveway where a toddler was hit by a reversing car on Wednesday night.

The 23-month-old boy was hit in Papatoetoe about 6.30pm and, despite being rushed to Middlemore Hospital by his family, he couldn't be revived and died about 30 minutes later.

Police are interviewing family members and neighbours and examining the scene where it happened.

Counties Manukau road policing manager Inspector Neil Fisher said it is a tragic loss for the family and a distressing and deeply regrettable situation for everyone involved.

It is the third incident in Auckland this year where a young child has been fatally struck in a driveway.

A lobby group targeting fewer injuries to children says it's happening too often. Safekids Aotearoa director Ann Weaver says there needs to be constant awareness of the issue for each wave of new parents and every death is a tragedy.