A child has died following a collision at Balmedie church in Aberdeenshire last night.
Police confirmed this morning they have launched an investigation after a one-year-old girl was killed in the tragic incident involving a Land Rover.
The 40-year-old driver of the car was uninjured.
The crash at the Plymouth Brethren Church car park on Eigie Road happened at 7:45pm on Wednesday.
An official from the church spoke to The Press and Journal about the tragedy.
He said: “We’re just trying to come to terms with it.
“It is pretty traumatic.”
“We’re waiting for the police with regards to what happens next, but we don’t think there’s anything further.”
‘Young child tragically pronounced dead’
In a statement Brethren member Rod Buckley said: “Sadly, we can confirm that an incident at the Plymouth Brethren Meeting Hall car park in Balmedie involving a single vehicle and a young child happened last evening.
“The young child was tragically pronounced dead after being taken to hospital.
“We are a very supportive church, and we are giving the family and friends of the people involved in the accident the help they need.
“On behalf of the church, I would like to thank the emergency first responders who have been very professional and compassionate in their response. ”
Watch Mid-Formartine councillor Andrew Hassan express his shock and sadness on behalf of the wider community following the tragedy.
Balmedie locals have also spoken out after the incident.
One man said: “It’s terrible. It’s absolute horrible news.”
A woman said: “It doesn’t bear thinking about.”
A Police spokesperson said: “The child was taken to Aberdeen Royal Infirmary, however was sadly pronounced dead a short time later.
“The 40-year-old man driving the car was uninjured.”
Inspector Scott Deans, from Roads Policing, said: “At this time, our thoughts are with the family of the deceased, along with everyone else affected by this tragic incident.
Investigation into Balmedie incident ongoing
“Our investigation into the circumstances remain ongoing and we’d like to thank the wider Balmedie community for their patience and understanding as officers carry out their inquiries in the area.
“Anyone with information should contact police on 101, quoting incident 3390 of 15 May, 2024.”
Several police cars and ambulances descended on the grounds of Balmedie church last night.
Officers were standing guard at the car park of Plymouth Brethren Christian Church on Eigie Road.
Road policing officers were seen carrying out inquiries in the area after 9pm last night, Wednesday.
Members of the local community were gathering outside the gates.
One woman said: “I heard someone was hurt in the car park. There are so many police here – it must be serious.”
Strong police presence at Balmedie Church
Plymouth Brethren Christian Church has 50,000 members worldwide.
Its members say they are “deeply family-oriented” and the church community is held together by their Christian beliefs.
The group recently had plans approved by Aberdeenshire Council to construct a new church hall on Balmacassie Brae in Ellon.
Our reporters are working to bring you the latest updates on this developing story.
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