A tragic incident occurred at a bustling shopping center when a vehicle crashed into a store, resulting in the death of a four-year-old boy. The event took place around 10:20 am on Sunday, January 18 at the Southlands Shopping Centre in Mawson, Canberra. Emergency responders swiftly arrived at the scene following reports of a car veering off the road and colliding with the store.
Medical teams provided immediate care to the young boy at the location. However, due to the severity of his condition, he was promptly transported to the hospital for further treatment. Despite all efforts, the child could not be saved and passed away shortly afterward.
According to an Australian Capital Territory (ACT) police spokesperson, the tragic incident marked the second road fatality of 2026 in the ACT. The collision involved a car striking a shopfront in Mawson, leading to the untimely death of the pedestrian. The driver of the vehicle was also taken to the hospital for evaluation. The ACT Road Policing’s Major Collision Team is currently investigating the circumstances surrounding the accident to prepare a detailed report for the Coroner.
Individuals who witnessed the incident are encouraged to reach out to Crime Stoppers ACT if they have not already spoken to the authorities. They can provide information by visiting the Crime Stoppers ACT website and quoting reference number P2416705.