A tragic incident occurred as a two-year-old boy, Sonny Macdonald, was fatally struck by a car just moments away from his home in Whitstable. Sonny was being walked back from the beach by his parents along Cromwell Road when a vehicle turning from Harbour Street lost control, hitting the family and causing severe injuries to Sonny’s father. The car then crashed through a metal barrier into Gorrell Tank car park. The details of the heartbreaking event on August 16 were disclosed during an inquest at Oakwood House in Maidstone.
Coroner Katrina Hepburn revealed that Sonny’s parents witnessed the accident around 8:24 pm as they were returning from Whitstable beach with Sonny in a stroller. A vehicle turned onto Cromwell Road, lost control, struck the family, and then continued through a metal barrier, leading to a six-foot drop into the car park with Sonny.
Despite the efforts of paramedics, Sonny was pronounced dead at the scene, while his father sustained serious injuries and was hospitalized. The inquest was halted due to an ongoing police inquiry.
In connection with the crash, a man in his twenties was arrested at the scene on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving. He has been released on bail pending further investigation. Floral tributes and teddy bears were left at the site of the tragedy on Cromwell Road.
Rosie Duffield, the MP for Canterbury and Whitstable, expressed shock and sadness over the incident, extending sympathies to the family of the young boy. She commended the emergency services and urged anyone with information to assist the police investigation.
The fire service dispatched three engines to the scene, and Canterbury City Council, responsible for the car park, expressed solidarity with those impacted. Witnesses who have not yet come forward are urged to contact Kent Police. CCTV and dashcam footage relevant to the incident can be submitted online.