Rosemary Row, Rathmines: Child dies after being hit by car on driveway

Emergency services rushed to a Lake Macquarie family home following reports that the child was unresponsive. Despite their efforts, the child died at the scene.

Police are investigating whether a 22-month-old girl silently followed her father out of their Lake Macquarie home without his knowledge, before being struck by the family car as the man attempted to exit the driveway.

Emergency services – including multiple ambulances and the Westpac rescue helicopter – rushed to Rosemary Way at Rathmines about 2.30pm on Monday following reports the child had been hit by a car on a driveway.

The scene in Rathmines where a 22 month old girl died in a driveway after being hit by a car driven by her father. Picture: Peter Lorimer

Despite paramedics’ best efforts, the young girl was pronounced dead at the scene.

Detectives will investigate whether the father walked out the front door believing he had left his young daughter inside the house with her mother.

The investigation will centre around whether the young girl had instead followed her father out the door before walking in front of the Mitsubishi SUV as her dad attempted to drive off.

Neighbours went to the assistance of the girl and her shattered father as emergency services raced to the scene.

The scene in Rathmines where a 22-month-old girl died in a driveway after being hit by a car driven by her father. Picture Peter Lorimer

The 38-year-old father was taken away for mandatory testing as early investigations point to a tragic accident.

Other members of the family also left the scene.

Police cordoned off the driveway of the Rosemary Row home on Monday afternoon as detectives launched their investigation into the circumstances surrounding the incident.

They will also prepare a report for the coroner.

The scene at Rosemary Row, Rathmines. Picture: TNV.

A young child has died after being struck by a car on the driveway of a family home at Lake Macquarie. Emergency services including multiple ambulances and a Westpac rescue helicopter, rushed to the Rosemary Row, Rathmines address following reports the child had been hit by a car on a driveway. Despite paramedics’ best efforts, the child died at the scene. Picture: TNV.

The brick home was cordoned off with police tape, while the SYV remained parked at the end of the driveway near the gutter of the quiet suburban street.

A van was also parked near the house but it is not believed to have been involved in the incident.

Lake Macquarie police were joined by crash investigation unit officers at the scene, who were called in to assist in documenting the car and driveway with photographs and measuring distances.

Hundreds of Lake Macquarie locals have already taken to social media to pay their respects to the young child, with one describing it as “absolutely shattering”, and others expressing their condolences to the family.

Police are expected to remain at the scene for several hours.