A two-year-old boy has died and a man has been left seriously injured after a car struck multiple pedestrians in a Whitstable car park on Saturday evening.
Kent Police were called to the Gorrell Tank car park at the junction of Harbour Street and Cromwell Road at 8.24pm on Saturday, August 16, following reports of a collision involving a car and several pedestrians.
Despite the efforts of paramedics, the toddler was pronounced dead at the scene. His next of kin has been informed. A man suffered serious injuries and was taken to hospital for treatment.
A man in his 20s was arrested at the scene on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving and remains in custody while inquiries continue.
Tributes Left at Scene
Floral tributes have been left at the scene of the tragedy, along with an Iggle Piggle teddy from In the Night Garden and a koala bear teddy. The spot where a car crashed through railings has been replaced with plastic barriers.
A witness described the incident as “very serious and very sad”, telling Kent Online: “A nice young man approached us and advised us not to take the children to where we had parked as something had happened”.
The woman added: “When my husband came back with the car, he said lots of people were crying”.
Emergency Response
South East Coast Ambulance Service confirmed it had treated three people at the scene. A spokesman said: “We sent three ambulances and two Critical Care Paramedics to the scene”.
“Our crews treated three patients at the scene – an adult male, an adult female and a young child”, the spokesman added.
Canterbury City Council said in a post to social media: “Our thoughts are with everyone affected by this heartbreaking news”.
Police Appeal for Witnesses
Investigators from Kent Police’s Serious Collision Investigation Unit are urging anyone with relevant information to come forward.
A spokesman for the force said witnesses who have not yet spoken to police should call 01622 798538 or email sciu.td@kent.pnn.police.uk, quoting reference BN/AL/058/25.
Police are particularly appealing for anyone with CCTV or dashcam footage to contact them. Relevant footage can be uploaded via their online portal.
About Gorrell Tank Car Park
The Gorrell Tank car park is Whitstable’s largest car park, located opposite Whitstable Harbour on Westgate Terrace. The car park sits on top of a Southern Water tank that protects homes from flooding during storms.
The car park has a capacity of 258 spaces and is open 24 hours. It serves as a crucial parking facility for the popular coastal town, particularly during busy summer months when Whitstable attracts many visitors.
The incident has shocked the seaside community, with many residents expressing their sympathy for all those affected by this tragedy.
Follow for more updates on Britannia Daily
