Toddler Killed in Driveway Incident, Driver Charged

The family of a three-year-old girl, Khairun Minha Quadri, who was fatally struck by a car on her home driveway in Auburn, west Sydney, has remembered her as a "charming and beautiful" child. The incident occurred shortly after 2 p.m. on Tuesday, and the girl was transported to Westmead Hospital, where she could not be saved.

Khairun's mother, who was bringing in laundry nearby at the time of the collision, described her daughter as precious and fond of playing, like any other child. "The way she used to laugh, walk" were among her favorite things about Khairun, her mother told Nine News. A cousin of Khairun's father, Abdul Salman, added that the toddler was "very fond of her mum. She never left her side. She's the only girl in a family full of boys so she was always with her mum. She was very beautiful."

CCTV footage captured the toddler sitting on the driveway moments before the incident. The driver, identified as 27-year-old Sandip Adhikari, was charged with negligent driving occasioning death and appeared in Burwood Local Court on Wednesday.

Adhikari, who reportedly lives in a granny flat at the rear of the property but is not related to the family, attempted to shield his face from cameras as he left court. "Of course I'm very sorry," he told reporters when asked if he wished to apologize to the grieving family. Adhikari's lawyer, Danny Eid, stated that his client is "very, very stressed and worried about the family, worried about their welfare," and has asked to relay his "deep sadness to the whole family who have lost a beautiful young child."

Adhikari has been released on bail under strict conditions, including reporting to police daily and being prohibited from operating a motor vehicle. His next court appearance is scheduled for October 27, and he has not yet entered a plea.

Police investigated the scene for much of Tuesday afternoon, with forensic officers examining a Range Rover parked in the driveway. Neighbors recalled often seeing Khairun playing outside the home, sometimes with her older brother.

The circumstances leading up to the crash are still under investigation. Authorities are requesting anyone with information or relevant footage to contact Auburn Police or Crime Stoppers.