A father has reversed over and killed his son in a devastating car accident in Ipswich, police say.
Matthew Wright decided to move the car down the steep driveway while his wife was having a shower, but their 18-month-old son was tragically standing at the entrance of the garage.
The toddler, Mason, was hit around 4pm on Monday and although emergency crews rushed to the soon, he died soon after.
Detectives from Ipswich’s Child Protection Investigation Unit are investigating what’s being described as a “completely accidental” incident.
Mason Wright.
Sadly one child, normally a toddler, is hit by a car in their driveway every week in Australia.
On average, seven children are killed and 60 seriously injured by cars near their home, and it’s younger children that are most at risk.
90% of those killed in “driveway deaths” and 70% of those seriously injured are, like Mason, under the age of five.
As anyone with a toddler knows, small children are naturally inquisitive and can move at lightning speed, so experts suggest holding their hands and keeping them close whenever a moving car is around.
If you’re the only adult at home, try keeping your child in the car with you – no matter how small the distance you’re moving.
Friends of Mason’s family have set up a GoFundMe to help support the family during this devastating time.
In it, Mason is described as “the ladies little man” with “his happy smile, charming strong active attitude”.
“Those who knew the family know how much they loved their little boy and would do anything for all of their children,” writes Heather French.
“Selena and Matthew, no words can explain what you’re going through now, love and support always, this is for you as I know you would always do the same xox.”
So far, the drive has raised over $2,000.
