Masterton community asked to support family of child struck and killed in driveway

The Masterton community is being asked to support a shattered family after their “precious toddler baby” was fatally hit by a vehicle in a driveway on Christmas Day.

The tragedy occurred on Atkinson Street and was reported at about 3.10pm yesterday, police said.

A member of the community has shared a post on social media about the incident.

“A devastating Christmas afternoon accident has claimed the life of a very precious toddler baby, leaving a local Masterton family shattered.”

Emergency services rushed to Atkinson St on the afternoon of Christmas Day. Photo / Google Maps

In the family’s “unimaginable grief”, they asked for people to come together as a community to support them.

“Your support can help ease the burden of funeral requirements and unexpected costs they now face and give them the space to mourn.

“Even the smallest contribution shows this family they are not alone in their pain and loss.“

Masterton Mayor Gary Caffell said losing a child in these circumstances on Christmas Day was a tragedy.

“I know there’s a really strong feeling in the community of support and grief for the family.”

Caffell said he did not know who the family were.

“But I do know that out there in the community there’s a really sad feeling.

“It took a bit of the gloss off Christmas Day for our community to hear that.”

Police did not have an update this morning on their investigation into the circumstances of the incident.

Fire and Emergency New Zealand spokeswoman Belinda Beets said two “appliances” were sent before 4.15pm to assist yesterday with the ambulance response but could not comment further.

A witness told the Herald emergency services attended the scene, including Wellington Free Ambulance and a Westpac Rescue Helicopter, which didn’t land and left without a patient.

The witness described fire services manning a cordon at the scene.

Wellington Free Ambulance referred inquiries to police.

Today’s social media post said monetary donations could be made to 06-0689-0233225-01 using the reference “baby”.

Any other donations like food could be dropped off at 27 Daniell St or Clareville Nursery and Garden Centre from 8.30am tomorrow.

“Rest in love baby,” the post said.

Georgina Campbell is a Wellington-based reporter who has a particular interest in local government, transport, and seismic issues. She joined the Herald in 2019 after working as a broadcast journalist.