Stechford Baby Death: Dad Drove Truck

17 March 2015, 18:26 | Updated: 30 March 2016, 13:50

A 19-month-old boy has been killed by collapsing masonry after his father accidentally hit the wall in a truck outside the family home in Birmingham.

Amaan Yaseen, described by his parents as "a lovely little boy'', was pronounced dead at the scene by medics a short while after the tragic accident in Queens Road, Stechford, Birmingham, yesterday.

West Midlands Police confirmed the youngster's father had been at the wheel of a recovery truck when the incident happened.

Throughout today a steady stream of mourners paid their respects visiting the semi-detached home, where a pile of broken masonry was still visible by the driveway.

Strangers and relatives came with flowers and soft toys, with one tearful woman pausing to light a candle to the youngster, before blowing a series of kisses.

In a statement read outside the home, family friend and barrister Mohammad Hafeez said Amaan's parents had been left utterly distraught and shocked by the events of the last 24 hours.

He said: "Last night at approximately 5pm the Yaseen family suffered a tragic loss.

"A member of the family was parking his heavy goods vehicle when his truck accidentally struck the front wall of his home.

"The debris of the wall hit Amaan, who was 19 months old.''

He added: "The emergency services were immediately called and despite considerable efforts, Amaan's life was pronounced extinct.

"This is a very tragic and traumatic incident for any parent to have to experience.

"These parents are distraught and shocked.''

Amaan was described as a "lovely little boy who brought with him a lot of joy and happiness for the entire family, particularly his parents.

"He will be deeply missed,'' said Mr Hafeez.

The family also thanked the emergency services for their efforts.

West Midlands Ambulance Service said desperate efforts were made to save the toddler by ambulance staff and an emergency doctor.

An ambulance service spokesman said: "A rapid response vehicle was on scene within four minutes of the call and was backed up by an ambulance, a paramedic officer, an emergency doctor and the Warwickshire and Northamptonshire Air Ambulance.

"Ambulance staff carried out advanced life support but sadly nothing could be done to save him and he was confirmed dead at the scene.''

Roy Ives, a carer who lives in nearby Kitts Green, was walking back from a friend's house when he saw the immediate aftermath.

"I saw this wagon blocking the slip road at the side of Queens Road,'' he said.

"Out the corner of my eye on the right I saw this block of bricks fall down - at the time I didn't think much of it.

"Then about eight seconds later I was opposite where it happened and I saw his little body lying on the pavement.

"It was horrendous.''

He said there were several men immediately on the scene.

"It really upset me - I haven't been able to eat since then.

"You don't see something like that every day.''

Inspector Paul Bennett, of West Midlands Police's collision investigation unit, said: "This was a tragic incident and officers continue to support the family and establish what exactly happened.''

Anyone with information about what happened has been urged to call police on 101.