'Devastated' Residents heartbroken by tragedy as baby dies after being hit by Land Rover in church car park

Residents in a village in Aberdeenshire have told of their devastation after a one-year-old baby died in a church car park tragedy.

Emergency services were called to Plymouth Brethren Church in Balmedie at 7.45pm on Wednesday after the baby was struck by a Land Rover.

The one-year-old girl was taken to Aberdeen Royal Infirmary but died shortly after. The 40-year-old driver was injured.

It is understood the child's family are members of the church.

Local families said they were 'devastated' and 'heartbroken' by the tragedy on their doorstep.

One man, who lives on the nearby Chapelwell Estate told the Record: "It is heartbreaking that this would happen to a little girl.

"Everyone is thinking of her family.

"I saw a lot of ambulances and police cars at the church last night. It is terrible to find out what happened to this baby."

The local, who said families travel from Aberdeen city to attend the church, added: "Nobody around here is a member. The churchgoers keep to themselves.

"On Wednesday nights a big convoy of plush cars arrive for service there. I think most of them are from Aberdeen and travel over."

Another resident said: "I'm just devastated. This sort of thing never happens around here, it is such a quiet and peaceful place.

"I can't stop thinking about the parents of that poor little girl and I hope they can find some peace."

A third resident said: "This is a small community. Everyone is so sad to hear what has happened. May the little angel rest in peace."

Plymouth Brethren Christian Church thanked first responders for their 'compassion' while responding to the incident.

Rod Buckley, representing the church, 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."

The Plymouth Brethren is an evangelical Christian church which teaches a very strict interpretation of the Bible. The church has around 50,000 members across Europe, the US and Australia.

Members follow a strict code of practice and the church says it is very family-centred, with families 'living, working and praying' together.

Local councillor Andrew Hassan said: "My immediate thoughts are with the family of the youngster who died, it certainly can't be easy for them especially happening in a public area and so suddenly.

"My second thoughts are with the wider community. We don't have fatal accidents in Belhelvie Parish that often and I am thinking of everyone who is touched and saddened by the news this morning.

"I know I was and I'm sure everyone else in the community is too."

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.

“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 enquiries in the area.

“Anyone with information should contact police on 101, quoting incident 3390 of 15 May, 2024.”

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