Child hit in Slade Point crash near school

An elderly driver is ‘shaken’ after her car hit a six-year-old boy who had run away from his mother and onto a busy road during school pick up this afternoon.

A young child was hit in a traffic crash outside Slade Point State School on October 14, 2022. Picture: Mitch Dyer

A young boy has been hit in a crash during peak hour traffic outside Slade Point State School in Mackay.

Mackay Police District Senior Sergeant Andy Buteaux said police were called to the scene along Slade Point Rd at the juncture of Swallow St in Slade Point just after 3pm.

Sergeant Buteaux said an elderly female was driving a car that struck a six-year-old boy who received injuries to his leg and arm.

“It was a low impact speed,” Sergeant Buteaux said, adding the child had left his mum and run onto the road.

“Luckily the driver of the vehicle was low speed at the time due to traffic so the injuries are not significant on the child.

A young child was hit in a traffic crash outside Slade Point State School on October 14, 2022. Picture: Mitch Dyer

“He will go off to Mackay Base Hospital to get checked out but from what paramedics have said it’s just minor scrapes to the elbows and legs where he’s hit the ground.

“He’s only hit the slight corner of the front of the vehicle so nothing major for him luckily.

“We’ll carry out our investigations … we’ve spoken to the elderly driver of the vehicle, the vehicle is roadworthy.

“This is just unfortunate that a child has run out in front of her.

“She’s a bit shaken, she’s obviously upset because it’s a child but at this moment in time there doesn't appear to be any blame for the female driver of the vehicle.

“This is just a reminder to parents and children alike that when they come out of school … they really need to keep an eye or a hold on those children, especially if they’re energetic.”

Investigations are continuing.