A young boy is in critical condition in Auckland's Starship Hospital after being hit by a car on Mt Eden Rd at about 11.30am.
The child ran onto the road, closely followed by a female relative and both were hit by a passing vehicle. The woman is in Auckland Hospital and is being treated for broken bones and grazing.
Attending officers described the scene as devastating, particularly in light of the fact it is day two of the United Nations Global Road Safety Week which focuses on promoting increased safety awareness around our most vulnerable road users.
Senior Sergeant Grant Miller says such crashes happen in an instant but the repercussions for all those involved are lasting.
"Our Serious Crash Unit is investigating the circumstances leading up to the crash and our thoughts are with the families involved. The driver of the crash vehicle stopped immediately and she has since given a statement to officers.
"The car has been removed from Mt Eden Rd and will be examined as part of the investigation."
Mr Miller said witnesses who were visibly upset outside a church playgroup had also spoken with officers at the scene.
Part of Mt Eden Rd between Bellevue Rd and Lovelock Ave was closed to traffic while the crash scene was examined and was due to be reopened by 4pm.
ENDS
Issued by Noreen Hegarty, Auckland City District communications manager.