Second child dies after running on to road

Christian Edmonds died after being run over by a four-wheel-drive vehicle outside his home.

As Christian Edmonds dashed on to the road outside his home he pointed his plastic sword at an approaching car and told it to stop.

But with little time to react, the driver of the four-wheel-drive vehicle struck the little boy who thought "he owned the road and cars would stop for him".

Christian is one of two 5-year-old children to die in Auckland this week after running on to the road and being hit by cars.

Adicia Ally Asekona was struck by a four-wheel-drive vehicle when she ran out from behind a parked truck in Mangere last Tuesday. She died in Starship hospital yesterday. Police say it is unlikely the driver will face any charges.

It is too early to say if charges will be laid against the male driver involved in the latest accident but Christian's mother Kathleen said she does not want to see the man prosecuted.

Ms Edmonds said the crash happened just after 4pm on Monday as Christian - the youngest of seven - tried to follow older brother Charles and a friend across Puhinui Rd in Papatoetoe.

Ms Edmonds said the two older boys did not realise Christian had followed them until after they crossed and looked back towards the house on the other side.

"Charles turned around and told him to stay but he was already running across the road," said Ms Edmonds.

Christian, a determined little boy who had been taught to use pedestrian crossings, did not stop as his brother instructed.

He instead pointed his sword at the vehicle and told it to stop, seconds before it hit him.

Ms Edmonds said the driver stopped and found Christian pinned under the front wheel.

He reversed and by the time Ms Edmonds got outside her son was lying on the ground. His hands were cut, his T-shirt and shorts ripped. His face was badly injured.

"He was trying to grab me and he was screaming," Ms Edmonds said. "He could hear my voice. Whenever I spoke his eyes just followed me. I said to him, 'It's OK, Mum's here'."

Christian was taken to Middlemore Hospital but died several hours later from severe head injuries.

Counties Manukau spokeswoman Angeline Barlow said it was heartbreaking to see two children killed on the roads, especially in the days leading up to Christmas.

She urged motorists and parents to take extra care in the holidays.

"Sometimes these tragedies cannot be avoided but adults have a responsibility to our children to make sure we minimise the risks as much as we can, regardless of if you are a driver or a parent."

She said drivers should be aware of what is happening around them, use peripheral vision, slow down and keep to the speed limit in built up areas and drive with caution around schools or playgrounds.

Injury Free Counties Manukau co-ordinator Lauren van Coller said children often acted on the spur of the moment so it was important motorists were always alert and were prepared to stop in a hurry.

It was also important parents not only taught children to use pedestrian crossings but that crossing anywhere else on the road was dangerous, she said.

Last year 11 children around the country were killed after being hit by cars on the road.