Child dead after being hit by P-plater in western Sydney
An infant hit by an out-of-control car in western Sydney on Thursday morning has tragically died in hospital.
The one-year-old boy lost his fight for life in The Children's Hospital at Westmead after a P-plater crashed into the baby and his elderly grandmother, who were walking to the toddler's preschool.
Emergency services were called to Marion Street at Auburn shortly before 9.30am on Thursday after a car struck the boy, believed to be aged about 18 months.
He had reportedly run onto the road.
Residents and a doctor from a nearby medical facility raced to the scene to help the unconscious child.
The infant was given CPR before being rushed to hospital with his mother who was understandably distraught when she arrived at the scene minutes later.
Witnesses said the boy tried to run onto the road before he was struck. They said the driver swerved to try to miss the infant and the car ended up hitting a brick wall.
The grandmother wasn't injured but is being treated in Westmead Hospital for shock.
The driver, reportedly a P-plater, was taken to Auburn Hospital for mandatory testing.
Queen Street remains closed in both directions between Kerr Parade and Helena Street as police investigate.
Witnesses described described the incident as "heartbreaking".
Nurses assistant Mariam Zreika said she ran down to the street after hearing the accident and saw the grandmother holding the injured baby in her arms.
"I ran up to her trying to dodge traffic. I got to the lady and she was screaming with baby in her (arms) held tight to her chest," she told the Parramatta Advertiser.
"I asked her 'is it okay if I have the baby to put the baby on its back?'"
Ms Zreika said she could not feel a pulse but that the boy drew a few shallow breaths when she placed him on his side.
Police said in a statement that they are investigating the circumstances surrounding the crash and have organised mandatory testing for the driver of the Toyota sedan.
A report will be prepared for the coroner.
Anyone with information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
News break – April 7
