SYDNEY – A toddler has died after her father accidently reversed over her in his SUV as he was leaving for the supermarket to buy groceries.
How it happened
1-year-old Rishwika Salibindla died after her father Joseph Reddy Salibindla unknowingly backed into her out the front of his property in Edna Avenue, Toongabbie, in Sydney’s northwest, just before 5.30pm on Friday, Jan. 12..
Mr Salibindla had entered his Audi SUV to get groceries at his local supermarket, unaware that his daughter had followed him out the door.
He then reversed over the girl unaware she was behind the vehicle, before exiting the vehicle to find her covered in blood.
Mr Salibindla’s wife Sravanthi Thirumalareddy and the couple’s two sons who were inside the family home at the time of the incident rushed outside following the horrific incident.
Mr Salibindla attempted to keep Rishwika alive until six ambulance crews from the NSW Ambulance Service arrived at the scene.
The girl later died from her injuries.
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The father is in for some questioning
The distraught father of three was later taken to Parramatta police station for questioning and spent Friday night assisting officers with their enquiries.
The 41-year-old was seen sobbing in the arms of one of his relatives before he was taken away by officers.
No charges have been laid.
Grief of the mother
Mrs Thirumalareddy spent hours looking at the crime scene as family members and locals comforted the devastated mum.
Rishwika’s uncle Joseph Salibindla said and he and his family would be by Mrs Thirumalareddy’s side as she came to terms with the loss of her daughter.
‘We will stay here with her, me and my wife,’ he said. ‘Whatever we can do.’
A crime scene was set up at the property as officers continue to investigate the incident.
A report will be prepared for the coroner.
