…By Larry John for TDPel Media.
Tragic Incident and Initial Investigation
A heartbreaking inquest revealed that a three-year-old girl, Milliee-Ann Rae McKellar, lost her life after being struck by a reversing Hermes delivery van.
The accident occurred when Milliee was in the blind spot of the driver while he reversed over her outside her grandmother’s home.
The Circumstances Unfold
The driver had entered a cul-de-sac and parked the Mercedes Sprinter van, with two wheels mounted on the pavement, to make parcel deliveries.
After checking his mirrors and rear camera, he began reversing.
Unfortunately, Milliee was struck and fell to the ground in the vehicle’s blind spot.
Despite her presence, the driver continued maneuvering, causing both front and back nearside wheels to pass over her.
Emergency Response and Inquest Proceedings
Emergency services promptly arrived at the scene in Calne, Wiltshire, but despite their efforts, Milliee was pronounced dead by critical care doctor Patrick Morgan at 1.08pm on March 3, 2021.
The tragic incident led to an inquest conducted by area coroner Ian Singleton at Wiltshire and Swindon Coroner’s Court in Salisbury.
Eyewitness Testimony and Discrepancies
Milliee’s mother, Tanzin Wells, provided a statement to the police, stating that Milliee was playing on the street and was cautious about road safety.
Ms. Wells, who was in a nearby garden with neighbors when the accident occurred, had been observing Milliee through gaps in a picket fence.
However, Officer Jonathan Brooks from the forensic collision investigation unit believed that Milliee would have been standing in the carriageway at the time of impact.
Testimony from a Concerned Neighbor
A neighbor named Steven Hargreaves arrived home shortly before the incident.
As he parked his vehicle, Milliee, who was positioned behind the unattended van, greeted him.
Mr. Hargreaves, standing at his kitchen window with a clear view of the incident, witnessed the delivery driver quickly returning to the van from the front.
He recalled that Milliee tried to move when the van started reversing but had no chance to avoid the collision.
He rushed to her aid and found her with severe crush injuries.
The Investigation’s Findings
Officer Brooks explained that Milliee would have been within the driver’s blind spot and not visible in the mirrors or rearview camera.
He asserted that Milliee, due to her young age, had limited road sense and was unable to perceive the dangers posed by vehicles.
The officer also indicated that the driver may not have realized what was happening until Milliee and the scooter she was holding came into view.
Cause of Death and Official Conclusion
The inquest determined that Milliee suffered a significant skull fracture, subarachnoid and subdural hemorrhage, brain swelling, and multiple pelvic fractures.
Coroner Ian Singleton recorded her cause of death as a result of a road traffic collision.
He conveyed his condolences to the family and expressed gratitude for their attendance during the proceedings.
No Prosecution for the Driver
Wiltshire Police confirmed that the driver would not face prosecution for the tragic incident.
Following a thorough investigation by specialized officers and review by the Crown Prosecution Service, it was concluded that no further action would be taken.
The parents of the young girl have been informed, and the police extended their sympathies to the grieving family.