A toddler was killed after he was struck by a vehicle on the driveway of his home near Skibbereen in West Cork, Ireland.
A young boy, 18-month-old, was playing in the driveway of his house in Tralispean in rural west Cork when a car struck him. The authorities are treating the incident as a tragic one.
Within minutes of the accident, local Gardaí, ambulances, and four fire brigade crews all rushed to the scene but it’s already too late. The little boy sustained serious injuries and was transferred by ambulance to Cork University Hospital (CUH) but died shortly afterward.
Gardaí spokesperson said: “Shortly after 5 pm on Tuesday, January 25, 2022, Gardai from Skibbereen and Emergency Service attended at the scene of the incident near Skibbereen, Co Cork.”
“A toddler (male, 18 months) sustained serious injuries after being struck by a car on the driveway of a house.
“He was taken from the scene by ambulance to Cork University Hospital where he has since been pronounced dead. The local Coroner has been notified. Inquiries are ongoing.”
A post-mortem has taken place, with an inquest expected to be held at a later date. A file will also be prepared for the Coroner’s Court. An investigation into the incident has been launched by Gardaí.
Paul Hayes, a local independent Councilor for West Cork, said he just learned of the accident late last night following a meeting. He has spoken about the incident and shared his sadness when he heard about what happened.
He told the Irish Independent: “It’s absolutely tragic. Clearly, it was an accident. As a parent myself I can’t comprehend what it must be like for the family and the driver as well. I offer my condolences.”
People have also offered their sympathy on social media, with one person writing: “The poor baby and his family.”
Karen Coakley, Local Skibbereen Fine Gael councilor and former Mayor, said the tragedy was “impossible to comprehend”. She said: “It’s just the most heartbreaking situation. Everyone in the community is just devastated for the family and our thoughts and prayers are with them.”
“When you think of a little child and the age that he was. It is just the cutest little age.
Just thinking about it you would start crying and shivering. When you think of the location, it is the most beautiful place. It is heaven on earth. For a nightmare like that to occur in such an idyllic location…” she added.
Councilor Coakley also said that the local Skibbereen community has been left deeply saddened at the death of the toddler. Tralispean where the incident happened yesterday is a couple of miles outside Skibbereen.
“It is an absolute tragedy, it is hard to comprehend that such a thing could happen. Everybody is just heartbroken. Our heartfelt sympathies to the family,” she added.
Prayers were also offered at a Mass in Skibbereen, Co Cork, for the 18-month-old baby boy. Fr. Evin O’Brien, a local priest, said the toddler was remembered at the parish Mass on Wednesday morning.
O’Brien said: “I prayed for him at the Mass and I asked parishioners to pray for him. It is devastating. I have nieces myself and the thought of it is unbearable. The family are of course in our thoughts and prayers going forward.”
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