Tragic death of a three-year-old girl hit by a car in Auburn driveway

Consensus Summary

A three-year-old girl was fatally struck by a car while playing in the driveway of her home on Normanby Road, Auburn, around 2pm on Tuesday. The incident occurred when Sandip Adhikari, a 27-year-old man living in a granny flat on the same property, allegedly pulled into the driveway in a Range Rover and hit the child. The girl was collecting leaves to 'cook' in her play kitchen while her mother hung laundry nearby, and she died shortly after being rushed to hospital. Adhikari was charged with negligent driving causing death and appeared in Burwood Local Court on Wednesday, where his bail was granted under strict conditions, including staying at least 100 meters away from both homes and daily police reporting.

The tragedy unfolded in a residential area of Western Sydney, with Normanby Road situated just one block behind The Crescent, a busy street near Auburn Station. Police are investigating the circumstances leading to the crash, including Adhikari’s relationship with the occupants of the home, though they have confirmed he is not related to the girl. Forensic officers examined the Range Rover, photographing the driver’s seat and boot, while CCTV footage later captured the moments before the incident, showing the child playing in the driveway before the SUV turned into the property. The girl’s family has described her as an 'angel,' with friends and neighbors recalling her as a happy, playful child who was cherished in their community.

Adhikari has expressed deep remorse for the incident, telling reporters outside court on Wednesday that he is 'very sorry to the family.' His lawyer, Danny Eid, described him as 'very, very stressed and worried' about the girl’s family, emphasizing that his client’s focus remains on their welfare. The lawyer relayed Adhikari’s sadness to the grieving family, who have lost their only daughter, and noted that it would be inappropriate for Adhikari to contact them directly. Meanwhile, the girl’s mother, who witnessed the moment her daughter was struck, has shared her heartbreak with reporters, stating, 'I was with her. I saw her with my eyes.' Friends of the family have flocked to the home to offer support, with one describing her as 'the only girl in our friendship circle, we all have boys.'

While both 7NEWS and SMH agree on the core details of the incident—including the age of the victim, the driver’s identity, and the charges—some differences emerge in the reporting. 7NEWS provides more emotional and personal accounts, such as the girl’s interactions with her brother and friends, as well as the CCTV footage that captured the moments before the tragedy. SMH, on the other hand, focuses more on the forensic and investigative aspects, including the mandatory testing of Adhikari at Auburn Hospital and the examination of the Range Rover. Additionally, 7NEWS specifies that the incident occurred on Tuesday, while SMH does not explicitly state the day, though both imply the same timeline. The girl’s playful activity—collecting leaves to 'cook'—is also detailed only by 7NEWS, adding a poignant layer to the story.

The legal proceedings are set to continue, with the matter adjourned until October 27. Adhikari’s bail conditions reflect the seriousness of the case, including restrictions on his proximity to the homes involved and a prohibition on driving while on bail. As the investigation progresses, police are expected to clarify Adhikari’s relationship with the home’s occupants, though it is confirmed he is not related to the girl. The community’s grief is palpable, with neighbors and friends struggling to comprehend the loss of such a young and beloved child. The case has drawn widespread attention, underscoring the fragility of life and the devastating consequences of negligence behind the wheel.