Second child death in church carpark

A boy run over at the Samoan Assembly of God in Stokes Valley at the weekend is the second child to be killed in the church carpark.

Five-year-old Levi Falemoe, of Taita, was hit by a 4WD vehicle - which he had earlier been travelling in - about 3pm yesterday.

What police have described as a tragic accident follows a similar case six years earlier when the church reverend backed over a 14-month-old girl.

The girl had been looked after by a carer in one of the church buildings but managed to get away and through an open door into the carpark. She fell behind the reversing car and was run over.

Following the 2002 case, Coroner Garry Evans recommended to the church's board of management that steps needed to be taken to ensure children could not get out of the church hall.

Meanwhile, Senior Sergeant Darren Russell of Lower Hutt said yesterday's incident on the George St property was a tragic accident.

"It's sad for everyone involved," Mr Russell said.

Levi was with his mother in the vehicle, which belongs to a relative, and was dropped off at the church to attend a family sports day.

He got out of the vehicle in the church courtyard to play with other children from the congregation.

As the driver moved forward to park, he was hit by the vehicle and died a short time later at the scene.

The police serious crash unit has finished examining the scene and an examination of the vehicle is to be completed today.

Police have interviewed the driver, and are speaking with other passengers from the vehicle.

The church declined to comment.

- with The Dominion Post

- © Fairfax NZ News