An American influencer has detailed the “nightmare” moment she accidently ran over her toddler son with the family car.
Mother of two Kelly Hopton-Jones recounted the events leading up to the ordeal on Instagram, explaining that she had hopped into the driver’s seat to set out with her daughter, Lily, to grab donuts en route to a dance performance.
Meanwhile her husband, Brian, and 23-month-old son, Henry, planned to stay home and meet the girls at the event later.
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The parenting influencer claims the “normal” day turned into a traumatic situation “in the blink of an eye” when Henry was standing in the garage with his dad waving goodbye before the toddler darted out into the car’s path.
“In a matter of seconds, our son was run over by our car. I was driving,” text overlay on the carousel of photos on Instagram reads.
“Our neighbours stepped in and immediately took Lily, and we rushed to the emergency room.”
Later at the hospital medical staff discovered Henry had some abrasions and a fractured pelvis.
Ms Hopton-Jones, who shares parenting advice to 630,000 followers under the Instagram handle Hillside Farmhouse, hailed the near-tragedy a “true miracle”.
“X-rays of his legs, chest and neck are all normal. CT scans show no injury to his organs or spinal cord,” she continued.
“A Neurological exam has been reassuring with no signs of head injury or impairment.”
The 36-year-old said she and her family were “in shock” but hopes it can be a lesson for other parents.
“Today has been the worst day of our lives. A true nightmare for a parent happened to us today,” she wrote.
“Non negotiable to hold hands with young children around vehicles.
“Do not assume they know or will stay where you last saw them.”