Church told to redesign carpark after two deaths

File photo / Herald on Sunday

A Wellington coroner has recommended a local church overhaul its carpark layout after a second child was killed in the L-shaped lot.

Levi Falemoe, 5, of Lower Hutt, died after being struck by a four-wheel-drive in the carpark of Assembly of God Church in Stokes Valley on October 27, 2008.

The accident happened after he and number of other children had been dropped off by a vehicle.

A report released today by Wellington Regional Coroner Ian Smith, said it appeared Levi had returned to the vehicle moments before the driver moved forward.

None of the four adults still in the vehicle saw Levi return.

Constable Wolfgang Haist said children or objects close to such vehicles could be hidden from view due to their high ground clearance.

"He (the driver) felt that he had hit something," the report said.

"He stopped the vehicle straight away...and got out. He then saw Levi lying on the ground on his side next to the vehicle, but not underneath it or his wheels."

Levi was the second child to be hit and killed in the church carpark.

Fourteen-month-old Grace Faaoliviti was accidently hit by a reversing vehicle in October 2002.

Following Grace's death, coroner Garry Evans recommended the church's pastor and board of management consult an engineer or experienced builder to make the church hall more secure and prevent children escaping into the carpark.

The church made a number of small changes including the installation of a mirror and sign advising drivers to slow to 5km/h.

"It is my belief that the general layout of the carpark area is flawed in providing a safe parking environment with an area that has an exceptionally large involvement with young children at the church," Mr Smith said.

"The old concrete remains of a building need to be removed and the entire surface designed and constructed with proper delineated parking bays. This should be an immediate priority."

Any further injuries or death of a child would be "totally unacceptable" and could lead to charges laid against the Church or the driver of the vehicle should it happen again, he said.

Mr Smith again recommended the church consult an engineer to make the area safer.

He also recommended a warden help monitor vehicles during full congregational meetings.

- NZPA