An 18-month-old boy has died after being struck by a vehicle in South Auckland.
The incident happened in the suburb of Otara this evening.
The baby was taken to a medical centre by family about 5pm, but died soon after.
The driver of the vehicle was helping police with inquiries and the Counties Manukau serious crash unit was investigating.
Neighbour Stefan Ruta was leaving his house when he heard a "big bang".
"That made me turn around. I saw the man, the father, running up the driveway. He was in really big shock. Another man jumped in the car and they went to the doctors."
Mr Ruta said he did not know who was driving the vehicle which struck the baby.
He knew both parents, and said they were about 18 years old. He believed the boy was their only child.
Mr Ruta had two small children of his own, and said he would be giving them a "big hug" tomorrow.
"I'm in shock myself."
Another neighbour, Sina Telea, said three generations of the family lived in the two-storey duplex home, including the boy, his parents and his paternal grandparents, she said.
"They are really good neighbours. He was such a happy baby."
The family was being supported by police and Victim Support.
- NZ Herald
