Police support family of child who died after being hit by vehicle in Mt Wellington, Auckland

Ten police cars attended the scene of an incident on Panorama Rd, Mt Wellington.

Police are continuing to investigate after a child died after being struck by a vehicle in a driveway in Auckland yesterday.

The tragic incident happened on a private driveway off Panorama Rd in Mt Wellington, police Inspector Jason Homan said.

"The collision was reported to police just before 4pm," Homan said in a statement.

"The child sadly died at the scene and our thoughts are with the family at this incredibly difficult time."

My neighbour's little tamaiti got hit and killed by a car this afternoon. If you're a praying type please keep them in your prayers this evening.

— Dr. Māorio, MD (@oriwa_) August 22, 2021

Police said today they were continuing to offer support through Victim Support to the toddler's family at this incredibly difficult and devastating time.

The family have requested privacy while they come to terms with what has happened.

Police are still working to understand the circumstances of how the collision occurred and that is expected to take some time.

The death will be referred to the Coroner.

A photographer earlier told the Herald at least 10 police cars were at the scene, in a driveway at a block of units.

Clive Matthew-Wilson, editor of the car review Dog and Lemon, said the vast majority of driveway accidents could be prevented if all vehicles had reversing cameras and beeping parking sensors.

Simple changes to cars and driveways could be "spectacularly successful'"at saving lives, said Matthew-Wilson, who is also a road safety campaigner.

"Fences and gates are a good start, provided that these gates and fences are childproof. But toddlers are remarkably quick at escaping from parents, so the second tier of protection must be in the cars we drive."

"Reversing cameras show the driver what's behind their vehicle. Studies show that reversing cameras work best in conjunction with beeping parking sensors."

"Reversing cameras and beeping parking sensors are now cheap as chips. They're easily installed on virtually any vehicle. So why isn't this compulsory?" he said.