Inquest into the death of Master C

5y · Male·extensive skull fracturing and traumatic brain injury from pedestrian strike by a caravan

A 5-year-old boy with significant disabilities from pneumococcal meningitis and stroke (right hemiparesis, hearing loss, epilepsy) was temporarily placed in care by the Department of Children and Families for medication stabilisation and assessment. After his condition improved and seizures reduced, he was discharged to his parents' care after 2 months. Days later, he wandered unsupervised from his grandparents' house to the Stuart Highway and was struck by a caravan while attempting to cross. The collision was unavoidable; the driver was experienced, travelling below the speed limit, and had observed the child standing on the roadside. The child's developmental stage, hearing impairment, and lack of cognitive skills for safe road crossing contributed to the fatal accident. The Department's management of his care was reasonable and appropriate. No clinical errors or system failures related to his medical management were identified.