A tragic incident in which a five-year-old boy was killed after being struck by an electric car that allegedly accelerated on its own has been detailed at the Old Bailey. Ashenafei Demisse, 52, denies causing death and serious injury by careless or inconsiderate driving.
The Fatal Incident in Southwark
The court heard that the accident occurred in November 2022 near London Bridge station. Ashenafei Demisse was sitting in his Volkswagen ID.4 in a car park with his own five-year-old son when the vehicle rapidly accelerated. It struck Fareed Amir, the five-year-old child of a family friend, and Demisse's 12-year-old son, Raphael.
Fareed had been walking home from primary school with his mother, Maryam Lemulu. She was chatting with Raphael's mother, Yodit Samuel, a friend of 13 years. The court was told Demisse had offered a treat to Fareed from inside the car, but Ms Lemulu refused as she was trying to limit his sugar intake.
Conflicting Accounts of the Crash
Stephen Knight, for the defence, told the jury that Mr Demisse did not press the accelerator. "This all-electric car moved on its own accord," he stated. The vehicle allegedly lurched forward, hitting the two children and colliding with five other cars before stopping.
However, prosecutor Michael Williams presented a different narrative. He said a police investigation found no evidence of faults in the Volkswagen and concluded only driver input could have moved the car forward. Williams suggested Demisse mistakenly pressed the accelerator, believing it was the brake.
Aftermath and Ongoing Trial
The consequences of the crash were devastating. Fareed Amir was carried to nearby Guy's Hospital by his mother but was pronounced dead later that day from multiple traumatic injuries, including a fractured skull.
Raphael, Demisse's son, suffered serious leg injuries. He sustained multiple fractures to his right leg and a fractured left leg, requiring a four-week hospital stay.
In a poignant statement read to the court, Ms Lemulu described the moments before impact, saying her son had called out "Uncle Ash, uncle Ash". She recalled: "The car suddenly moved forward. It did not make any noise. It took off very fast."
Demisse's wife told the court her husband had been a taxi driver for many years and was working seven days a week at the time. The trial continues.
