A two-year-old boy has been named as the victim of a tragic crash in england/whitstable/”>Whitstable after a car ploughed into his family and through a barrier into a car park/”>park.
Sonny Macdonald, who was being pushed in his pram, was just minutes from home in Cromwell Road when the incident happened on Saturday, 16 August.
An inquest heard Sonny’s parents were walking him Backback from a trip to the beach/”>beach when a vehicle turning from Harbour Street into Cromwell Road “lost control” and drove into the family. Sonny’s father sustained serious injuries.
The car then smashed through a metal barrier and plunged about six feet into Gorrell Tank car park, carrying the child with it.
Inquest details
Opening the inquest at Oakwood House in Maidstone, Coroner Katrina Hepburn said:
“His mother and father witnessed his death, which occurred at approximately 8.24pm. They were walking back from Whitstable beach from the harbour with Sonny, who was in a pushchair.”
Despite efforts from paramedics, Sonny was pronounced dead at the scene. His father was taken to hospital with serious injuries.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4f8sSS74MHY
Arrest and investigation
A man in his 20s was arrested at the scene on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving. He has since been bailed pending further enquiries. The inquest has been suspended while Kent Police continue their investigation.
Community response
Floral tributes, teddies and messages of condolence have been left at the site. Firefighters, who sent three engines to the scene, also paid their respects.
Local MP Rosie Duffield said:
“I was shocked and very saddened to hear about the horrific incident in Whitstable, and I cannot begin to imagine what the family of the little boy who lost his life must be going through. My thoughts are with them and all caught up in this awful tragedy.”
She urged anyone with dashcam footage or information to contact Kent Police to assist the investigation.
Canterbury City Council, which manages the car park, expressed condolences to the family.
Police appeal
Kent Police have asked witnesses to call 01622 798538 or email [email protected], quoting reference BN/AL/058/25. CCTV and dashcam footage can be uploaded via the online portal.
