Gympie shopping centre hit and run left baby showered in glass

A couple visiting Gympie to pick up formula and clothes for their newborn baby claims their family car smashed up and their was infant covered in glass before they’d even left the car park.

A Murgon dad has relived the moment he and his family were involved in crash at a busy Gympie shopping centre car park.

The crash left his partner with a sore back and their five-month-old baby covered in glass.

Jesse Wentriro, his partner Chloe Kennedy, and their baby were visiting Gympie Central shopping centre from Murgon to pick up baby formula and new clothes on Monday afternoon.

Mr Wentriro told the Gympie Times they were leaving the car park when he saw another car start to reverse nearby.

“I got just past the fella’s car then I saw him start reversing so I turned away from his car and sped up so it didn't hit bub’s door,” he said.

The next thing they heard was the sound of the cars colliding, as the other car collected the rear window and corner of the boot, narrowly dodging the infant’s car seat.

Mr Wentiro said thankfully no one was seriously injured, but Ms Kennedy’s back was sore and their baby was showered in glass from the shattered window.

He said the man in the other vehicle told them they were okay, but the couple raised their voices at him while Ms Kennedy and their baby sobbed.

The pair exchanged details but Mr Wentiro said the man claimed he “had stuff to do” and got into his car and left the scene, leaving the damaged Ford Falcon behind.

Angry and one and a half hours away from home, Mr Wentiro said he didn’t know what to do to get home safely.

“I put garbage bags over the window and taped it up, and used my hammer to bend the boot a bit then had to kick the boot shut,” he said.

While the damage to the Ford was minor in the grand scheme of things, the family was worried about the carelessness of car park drivers.

Jesse Wentriro said he was forced to make a makeshift window using a garbage bag and tape after the incident.

The incident was witnessed by several shoppers at the centre, with several onlookers offering to help the family of three get home.

Mr Wentriro said he was thankful for the support.

“Because we live so far away they couldn't help, but made me feel good they stopped and offered to help,” he said.

Police were contacted about the incident, but a Queensland Police spokesperson said Mr Wentriro was directed to Policelink instead.

The Gympie Times has reached out to the other driver for comment.