This mall tragedy sparks urgent calls for safer shopping centre car parks. What happened?

A heartbreaking accident at a Sydney shopping centre has left a community in mourning and reignited urgent conversations about the safety of Australia's car parks.

What happened is particularly relevant for families with young children and older Australians navigating increasingly crowded spaces.

A five-month-old baby girl died at the scene on Monday afternoon at Minto Mall in Sydney's southwest, despite police commencing CPR on the infant before she was treated by NSW Ambulance paramedics.

Her five-year-old sibling was transported to The Children's Hospital at Westmead in a serious but stable condition.

The tragedy occurred around 3:30pm on Brookfield Road when a 35-year-old driver reportedly reversed her Renault SUV over the two children.

What makes this incident particularly devastating is that the children were reportedly in a pram, and investigators believe the mother was trying to navigate the notoriously narrow parking spaces.

When car parks become danger zones

The incident has thrust Minto Mall's parking facilities into harsh spotlight, with local parents sharing their own frightening experiences navigating what many describe as impossibly narrow spaces.

Tanzin Cook, a local mother-of-two, took to social media to share her own ordeal from 2018, describing having just 20 centimetres to squeeze her children through between cars. 'If you're in an SUV or 4WD, you are f***** beyond measure,' she said bluntly.

Her experience wasn't unique. Cook recalled having to climb through the passenger side to reach the driver's seat so she could reposition her car safely—a manoeuvre many older Australians would find challenging or impossible.

'There was no other way I could have done it,' she explained. 'Based on reports I've read, the mum was in a similar situation. This is a really bad car park and it is not easy to navigate with kids.'

The community responds with calls for change

The tragedy has galvanised the local community, with social media flooded with similar stories from frustrated shoppers. Comments on Cook's video painted a picture of a car park that many residents actively avoid.

'Every time I go here, I have to park away from everyone because of exactly the same issue,' wrote one local mum. Another added: 'I drive a 4WD and I dread going to this car park, it's an absolute nightmare.'

However, the discussion also sparked debate about safety practices. Some commenters pointed out that regardless of tight spaces, children should be loaded into vehicles before shopping, and modern cars come equipped with reverse sensors and cameras.

The death has shocked the Minto community, with witnesses reporting being traumatised after watching the aftermath, and the tragedy raising questions about carpark safety and the vulnerability of young children around vehicles.

Mall management promises improvements

Centre manager Michael Prestia acknowledged the community's concerns while defending the current design. 'In order to acquire DA approvals, the Australian standards for car parking bays needed to be met,' he told Daily Mail.

However, he also committed to future improvements: 'Minto Mall will continue to seek ways of how to improve the Centre's car park in view of access, egress and parking, in the interest of the customers' wellbeing and safety.'

The mall, which underwent major redevelopment three years ago, is already planning further upgrades in the coming months. The centre recently added two electric vehicle charging stations in the South Carpark, showing some commitment to modernising facilities.

What this means for older shoppers

For Australian seniors, this tragedy highlights broader concerns about navigating increasingly challenging retail environments. Modern shopping centres often prioritise maximising parking spaces over user safety and accessibility.

The incident also underscores the importance of being extra cautious around car parks, where pedestrians of all ages—but particularly children and older adults with mobility concerns—are vulnerable to serious accidents.

Practical steps for safer shopping trips

While we wait for infrastructure improvements, there are practical steps shoppers can take to protect themselves and their families.

Consider shopping during off-peak hours when car parks are less crowded. If you're driving a larger vehicle, don't hesitate to park further away where spaces are more generous. Always take your time—rushing leads to mistakes.

For those with grandchildren, the tragedy serves as a stark reminder to maintain constant visual contact with little ones in car parks, one of the most dangerous environments they'll encounter during routine activities.

Support and investigation continues

NSW Police are continuing their investigation into the incident, though they're treating it as a tragic accident rather than criminal negligence. Authorities are urging anyone with information or dashcam/CCTV footage to contact Crime Stoppers NSW on 1800 333 000.

The broader community has rallied around the affected family, with local federal MP Dr Mike Freelander acknowledging the tragedy on social media and expressing condolences to those impacted.

As the investigation continues, the focus remains on preventing similar tragedies through improved design, better awareness, and a commitment to putting safety before convenience in our shopping centres.

Centre manager Prestia concluded: 'We are most saddened by the tragic incident that occurred on September 15 and wish to send our deepest condolences to the family, relatives and friends of the family on the loss of their beautiful five-month old baby girl.'