By Sam Payne for 7NEWS Australia — A quiet south‑of‑Sydney street was shattered by a tragic incident this morning when a toddler was run over by a car and urgently airlifted to Sydney Children's Hospital with serious head injuries. Emergency services were called at about 9am to a residential street in Bellambi during the school holidays, when there are typically many children at play.
Table of Contents
- Incident overview
- Emergency response and medical care
- Witness account
- Community impact and context
- What we know now — and what’s next
- Safety reminder: preventing driveway and vehicle incidents
- FAQ
- Closing
Incident overview
Emergency services were alerted to the incident around 9am on a suburban street in Bellambi, just south of Sydney. On arrival, first responders found a small boy next to a vehicle with a number of members of the public gathered nearby.
Paramedics recognised the severity of the child's injuries and moved rapidly to get him to specialist care. Because of the seriousness of the head trauma, the child was taken to a nearby oval where a medical retrieval team prepared to airlift him to Sydney Children's Hospital.
Emergency response and medical care
Intensive paramedics and other emergency personnel mobilised at the scene. The child was stabilised as quickly as possible, then transported to a designated helicopter landing area to expedite transfer to specialist paediatric care.
While hospital staff have been briefed, authorities say the child has sustained serious head injuries. Further medical updates will be provided by the hospital or family representatives when available.
Witness account
Neighbours and passersby described a distressing scene. One witness told reporters they came outside after hearing yelling and discovered the little boy under the car.
"Came out this morning after hearing yelling and there was a little boy under the car. It was pretty bad. Crying, screaming, making a lot of noise."
Community impact and context
The timing of the incident — during school holidays — has added to community concern. With more children playing outside than usual, neighbours said the normally quiet suburb has been left shaken by the events of this morning.
Local residents and parents are understandably anxious, and many have been checking on neighbours and children in the area. Emergency services remain the central point of coordination while further details are confirmed.
What we know now — and what’s next
- When: Emergency services were called at about 9am.
- Where: A residential street in Bellambi, south of Sydney.
- Who: A toddler (small boy) was found next to a vehicle and later airlifted to Sydney Children's Hospital.
- Condition: The child sustained serious head injuries. He was transported by air to receive specialised care.
- Ongoing: Authorities and emergency services are handling the response. Further details will be released as they become available.
Safety reminder: preventing driveway and vehicle incidents
To reduce the risk of similar tragedies, parents and drivers should consider these precautions:
- Never leave young children unattended in or around vehicles — even for a brief moment.
- Make it a habit to walk around your vehicle before reversing, and use rear cameras or sensors if available.
- Keep keys out of reach of children and lock vehicles when unattended.
- Teach children to stay clear of driveways and to move away when vehicles are started or moving.
- Neighbours: supervise play areas and ensure driveways are visible and free from obstacles.
FAQ
What happened?
A toddler was run over by a car in Bellambi, south of Sydney, and sustained serious head injuries. Emergency services arrived around 9am and the child was airlifted to Sydney Children's Hospital.
Where did the incident occur?
The incident took place on a quiet suburban street in Bellambi, south of Sydney.
How did emergency services respond?
Paramedics and an intensive medical retrieval team responded quickly. The child was stabilised and taken to a nearby oval to be airlifted to specialist paediatric care.
What is the child’s condition?
Authorities have reported the child sustained serious head injuries. He was transported by helicopter to Sydney Children's Hospital for urgent treatment. Further medical updates have not yet been released publicly.
Will there be an investigation?
Police and relevant authorities typically review such incidents as part of routine follow-up. Official details about any investigation will be provided by police when available.
Closing
This has been a deeply upsetting incident for the Bellambi community. We will continue to follow developments and provide updates as more information becomes available. My thanks to the emergency crews who acted swiftly at the scene.
Sam Payne
7NEWS Australia
