Boy killed in road accident

A 5-year-old boy died after being hit by a four-wheel-drive vehicle in Papatoetoe last night.

The accident happened on Puhinui Rd just before 6pm. The boy was taken to Middlemore Hospital in a serious condition. He died a few hours later, a hospital spokeswoman said. The nature of his injuries was unknown.

The police serious crash unit examined the scene. The investigation was completed and the road opened at 9pm.

The boy's name would not be released until next of kin were notified.