Seven-Year-Old Tragically Killed by Electric Car’s Malfunction
A heart-wrenching incident unfolded at Plymstock Albion Oaks RFC in Plymouth on February 19, 2023, when seven-year-old Alfie Tollett lost his life due to a fatal accident involving an electric car. Alfie, described as “cheeky, precious,” was watching his brother play rugby when the driver of a Jaguar Land Rover I-PACE accidentally pressed the wrong button, leading to the young boy being fatally trapped between two vehicles.
The driver’s mistake of accelerating forward instead of reversing for about 10 seconds resulted in the crushing of Alfie, despite his father Stephen’s frantic attempts to rescue him. Following the tragic incident, Plymouth Coroner Deborah Archer issued a report, raising awareness of potential issues with the design of the I-PACE and highlighting the driver’s errors.
In response to the heartbreaking loss of their son, Alfie’s parents, Stephen and Gemma Tollett, expressed their immense love for their son, reminiscing about his playful nature and the joy he brought to their lives. The report emphasized the need for urgent action by Jaguar to prevent similar fatalities in the future, urging the company to reassess the safety features of their high-value electric SUVs, priced at around £70,000.
The Tollett family, in appreciation of the Coroner’s findings, advocated for enhanced safety measures to prevent other families from enduring a similar tragedy. They called for a comprehensive review of control designs by all manufacturers of electric vehicles, emphasizing their commitment to ensuring that no other family suffers the devastation they have experienced. Jaguar Land Rover has been given a deadline to respond to the report by October 22, underscoring the urgency of rectifying the perceived design flaw that led to Alfie’s untimely death.
Our hearts go out to the Tollett family as they navigate this unimaginable loss, cherishing the memory of their beloved son, Alfie, whose spirit will continue to live on through his siblings and in the hearts of those who knew him. Let this tragic incident serve as a poignant reminder of the importance of prioritizing safety in the design and operation of all vehicles, safeguarding the lives of innocent individuals like Alfie Tollett.