A 77-year-old woman has died following a tragic accident in a shopping centre car park on the Sunshine Coast, where she was reversed over by her own vehicle.
Details of the Tragic Incident
The fatal incident occurred at approximately 3.45pm on Tuesday in the car park at Poinciana Avenue in Tewantin. The woman, who was behind her white Volkswagen T-Cross while the motor was running, was struck when the vehicle reversed.
She sustained significant head injuries in the collision. Despite the immediate efforts of paramedics and emergency service personnel who performed CPR at the scene, the woman sadly succumbed to her injuries. Police have confirmed that no other person or vehicle was involved in the accident.
Witness Accounts and Community Shock
Shoppers present at the Sunshine Coast retail centre described a scene of sudden chaos and distress. Tanja Stähelin, who was shopping nearby, spoke to the Courier Mail, stating, "I was shopping there. Five minutes later I heard the sirens."
Another bystander, Steph Church, paid tribute to a member of the public who rushed to help the injured woman. "To the gentleman who assisted in trying to control the bleeding, you did an amazing job. You were clearly shaken afterwards. Take care of yourself mate," she said.
In a heartfelt online message reflecting the community's shock, Ms Church added, "It's a hard time for the family of this lady and the people who witnessed the horrific incident. Remember everyone, take care of yourselves, stay safe and give your loved ones a hug, tell them you love them. Life can change in a matter of seconds."
Aftermath and Safety Reminder
The incident serves as a stark and sombre reminder of the potential dangers present in everyday environments like car parks. Investigations into the precise circumstances are ongoing.
The local community in Tewantin and the wider Sunshine Coast area has been left deeply saddened by the sudden loss. The woman's next of kin have been notified.
