Parents Witness Horrific Crash That Killed Their Son
A Queanbeyan couple has described the devastating moment they saw their four-year-old son killed in a car crash at a Canberra shopping centre. The incident occurred on Sunday, January 18, 2026, at the Southland Shopping Centre in Mawson.
The family, originally from Bhutan, had taken their young boy to offer prayers at a temple that morning before heading to the shops for groceries. The tragedy unfolded about 10.15am outside the BWS store, where the boy was walking ahead of his parents.
"He was walking in front, I was pushing the trolley, his mum was a few steps behind," the heartbroken father told The Canberra Times. "He didn't do anything wrong ... he was taken away from us."
Community Rallies Around Grieving Family
The driver of the blue hatchback involved in the crash was a woman in her 80s. Police confirmed on Monday that no charges had been laid at this stage, with investigations ongoing. Both the boy and the driver were taken to hospital following the incident, with the child in serious condition and the driver reportedly in shock.
The boy's death marks the ACT's second road fatality for 2026. The family has requested privacy, and their names have not been publicly released.
Members of the Australia-Bhutanese Association of Canberra (ABAC) have been providing crucial support to the grieving parents, who are temporary residents living and working locally. Association vice president Dorji Tashi described finding the parents with blood on their clothes and completely inconsolable on Sunday.
"It's terrible ... it's a very hard time for them," Mr Tashi said. A senior officer from the Bhutanese embassy has also visited the family to offer condolences and support.
Fundraising Effort Launched for Funeral Costs
With the family's permission, the Australia-Bhutanese Association has launched a fundraising appeal on Facebook to help cover funeral expenses and other unexpected costs. The emotional post described the couple as facing these arrangements "at the most painful time of their lives."
"Our hearts are shattered by the tragic news from yesterday in Canberra, where a beautiful four-year-old boy lost his precious life in a sudden and devastating car crash," the association's statement read.
The post called on community members to come together in support, noting that while "no words can heal their pain, our small acts of kindness and collective support can help ease their burden."
Fundraising details have been shared publicly:
- Account Name: Australia-Bhutan Association of Canberra
- BSB: 062924
- Account Number: 10190406
- Reference: 'Prayer for our son'
Police continue to investigate the circumstances of the crash and have asked any witnesses who haven't yet come forward to contact Crime Stoppers ACT, quoting reference number P2416705.
The father remembered his son as a "very loving, loving and charming" boy who was full of life and energy. Bouquets of flowers and offerings, including toys, were placed at the shop front on Monday as the local community expressed their sympathy for the unimaginable loss.
