Memorial candles outside Sokinvuori daycare in Suvela, Espoo, on 6 November 2025. Photo: Heikki Saukkomaa / Lehtikuva
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A three-year-old child has died from injuries sustained after being hit by a car driven by their parent outside a daycare centre in Espoo, southern Finland.
The accident occurred on the morning of Friday, 31 October, near the Sokinvuori daycare in Espoon keskus. According to the Western Uusimaa Police Department, the parent had just dropped the child off before the collision took place.
Emergency services were called to the scene shortly after 9 a.m. Paramedics and rescue units responded alongside a medical helicopter, which transported the critically injured child to hospital.
The child later died from their injuries.
Police confirmed that the driver was the child’s guardian and said there is no indication that the act was deliberate. “The driver was not intoxicated, and there is no suspicion of intent,” police said in a statement.
Initially, the case was investigated as aggravated endangerment of traffic safety and aggravated negligent bodily injury. As the investigation progressed, the charge was revised to involuntary manslaughter.
Investigators have interviewed eyewitnesses and conducted technical examinations at the site. Senior officers said key witness hearings are still ongoing, and therefore they are not disclosing further details about the sequence of events.
After realising what had happened, the parent immediately began resuscitating the child before emergency crews arrived. Police said the effort was confirmed by witnesses at the scene.
The daycare yard was closed temporarily following the incident. Part of the playground fence was damaged during the collision.
Residents of the area have since visited the site, leaving candles and flowers in memory of the child. On Thursday, several families gathered quietly near the daycare to pay their respects.
HT
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Source: www.helsinkitimes.fi
