Boy, 3, dies after being struck by car in underground car park

Gardaí are appealing to anyone who may have witnessed the collision to come forward.

A toddler has died after being struck by a car in an underground car park in west Dublin.

The incident happened shortly after 8.40am on Wednesday at Charlestown Shopping Centre in Finglas.

Emergency services attended the scene, and the three-year-old boy was rushed to Temple Street Children’s Hospital in the city centre.

He was pronounced dead on Wednesday afternoon, gardaí said, and a family liaison officer has been appointed to support the family.

A forensic examination of the underground car park is taking place by Garda Forensic Collision Investigators.

Gardaí are appealing for witnesses, particularly those with camera footage or who were in the Charlestown area between 8.20am and 9am.

Investigations are ongoing and anyone with information is asked to contact Finglas Garda Station on 01 666 7500, the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111, or any Garda Station.

This latest incident has brought the number of road deaths so far this year to 33 — compared with 30 this time last year.

It comes as motorists are being urged to take care on the roads ahead of the St Patrick’s Day celebrations and are being reminded to never drink or take drugs while behind the wheel, reduce speed, and take breaks if feeling tired.

Minister of State Jerry Buttimer, the Road Safety Authority, and An Garda Síochána made the appeal at the National Safer Roads Road Safety Conference and Exhibition in Killarney, Co Kerry on Wednesday.

An Garda Síochána will be carrying out an enforcement campaign across the country across the weekend, from 7am on Thursday to 7am next Wednesday, March 18.