THE mum of a boy who died after a car reportedly careered into pedestrians in a car park screamed “you’ve killed by baby”, according to one devastated local.
The young boy tragically died after the collision – involving a car and “multiple” pedestrians – in Whitstable, Kent, on Saturday night.
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Emergency crews were called to the scene shortly before 8.30pm, finding a man and two-year-old boy suffering from serious injuries.
The toddler was tragically pronounced dead at the scene while the man was rushed to hospital for treatment.
A man in his 20s was arrested at the scene for causing death by dangerous driving.
He has since been released on bail pending further enquiries.
The horror unfolded close to the seafront of the town, which is a popular summer destination for holidaymakers and day trippers.
One neighbour, who lives overlooking the scene of the tragedy, said: “I heard the smash, then a woman screaming.
“She was saying ‘my baby, my baby, you’ve killed my baby’.
“The car had gone through the metal railings and fallen down onto the ground of the car park about 1.5m below.”
They said they weren’t sure if the child was underneath the vehicle, but told how they could see the tot’s mum “sitting on the floor screaming”.
The neighbour added: “When the ambulance came they were giving him CPR but as they put him inside the vehicle with his mum he wasn’t moving and I feared the worst.
“Lots of people have left flowers for them.
“I just don’t understand how the driver got up enough speed to go through that metal fence because there are traffic lights here.
“It was on my mind all of last night, it is so awful.”
Another resident, who did not want to be named, said: “We heard the screech and then the bang and we went straight out.
“My husband was with the lady and her son the whole time.
“We have a two year old ourselves so it’s very close to home.”
She said the car came around the corner way too fast and lost control.
She added: “The family were just walking home along the pavement.
“Then the guy in a black BMW came round that corner and went straight into them.
“The RNLI from the lifeboat station were straight there, they were amazing.
“It was an accident to some extent but most people coming around that corner would not lose control so he must have been going very fast.”
A pensioner overlooking the scene of the crash said: “There were so many police cars I lost count, but the ambulance couldn’t get into the car park which was very inconvenient for it – it had to wait up on the road.”
She added that one of her neighbours – who is a first-aider – “ran straight out”, while another assisted with blankets.
TRIBUTES PAID TO ‘PRECIOUS’ TOT
Floral tributes have been left at the scene in Cromwell Road.
One with a little teddy said: “Rest in perfect peace little man”.
Members of the local fire service also left flowers and a moving tribute at the scene.
Six crew members lined up to pay their respects, with many having assisted at the crash.
Some were visibly upset while taking a moment’s silence in memory of the young boy.
Their card read: “In loving memory of a precious little one.
“Though only with us for a short time, their light will never be forgotten.”
Local pensioner Tom Barley, 78, said: “I came along to pay my respects because that boy is never going to get to grow up.
“It’s awful.”
Local MP Rosie Duffield posted on Facebook: “I am devastated by the news of the terrible crash in Whitstable on Saturday evening and my thoughts and prayers are with the family of the young boy killed and the man seriously injured.”
Canterbury City Council tweeted: “Our thoughts are with everyone affected by this heartbreaking news.”
Officers from Kent Police’s Serious Collision Investigation Unit are urging anyone with relevant information to come forward.
Witnesses, including passengers travelling on the bus who have not yet spoken to police, should call 01622 798538 or email sciu.td@kent.pnn.police.uk, quoting reference BN/AL/058/25.
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