A toddler has been tragically killed in a driveway in Auckland. Photo / Thinkstock
A toddler has died after he was hit by a reversing vehicle in a driveway in Auckland last night.
The 23-month-old boy was hit by in the driveway in Papatoetoe about 6.30pm last night, police said.
Police were notified that the boy was taken to Middlemore Hospital by a family member but could not be revived.
He was pronounced dead at hospital just after 7pm.
Counties Manukau Police Road Policing Manager Inspector Neil Fisher said it was a tragic loss for the family.
"Police are in the process are interviewing family members and neighbours to determine exactly what happened. It's a distressing and deeply regrettable situation for everyone involved,'' he said.
It would take some time for police to form a clear picture of how the accident occurred and they could not comment further.
"Police remind everyone to be mindful of the whereabouts of children at all times, particularly when driving. Always check around the back of your car before you reverse and ensure children are well out of the way or inside," Mr Fisher said.
Police were examining the scene and Victim Support was helping the family.
It is believed the boy's father was reversing up the driveway when the toddler rushed out to greet him, Newstalk ZB reported.
A neighbour has described hearing a man's screams, and running outside to see the young boy lying injured on the driveway.
The accident occurred less than two weeks after 18-month-old Mila Tamihana died after being hit by a vehicle in the driveway of her West Auckland home.
Mila was hit at the top of a shared driveway at her home in Massey.
She was found about 10.20am on March 28 with critical injuries.
Family members rushed the little girl to hospital but doctors could not revive her and she died two hours later.
A police investigation into Mila's death is ongoing.
A selection of cartoons from Herald cartoonist Rod Emmerson over the past year