A BAHRAINI family is struggling to come to terms with the death of their eight-year-old son, who was accidentally killed by his father.

Hussain Ali Hatim jumped into the back of his father's pickup, but fell off after he reversed suddenly and ran him over at their home in A'ali on Sunday night.

He was rushed to Al Amal Hospital and later to the BDF Hospital, where he was pronounced dead.

His uncle Hussain Hatim said the family has been unable to cope with the boy's death, especially his twin brother Ahmed.

"It happened when Hussain was playing as he walked into the car and jumped into the back of the pickup," he told the GDN.

"His father didn't see him and started the engine, while his mother and sister were walking towards the car.

"His father reversed the pickup, Hussain fell over and was run over.

"He died instantly, but the family took him to hospital to check his condition. He was buried on Monday.

"His parents are in a state of shock and are unable to speak to anyone."

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Hussain, a second grade student of A'ali Primary and Intermediate Boys School, was buried in A'ali cemetery in the presence of his family, friends and neighbours.

Another relative, who wished to remain anonymous, said Hussain was with his parents and sister Fatima, who were on their way to buy groceries at a local market, when the accident happened at around 11pm.

"His mother, who witnessed the accident and his death, is still in shock and crying," he said.

"His twin brother Ahmed is still unable to understand what happened to Hussain.

"They are twins, born together, eating and playing together, sleeping together and going to school together.

"Now Ahmed is alone and misses his brother and keeps asking his parents where he is, which makes them sadder."

He is survived by his father Ali, mother Zainab, brothers Hassan and Ahmed, and sisters Zahra, Ghadeer and Fatima.

The family is still receiving condolences at A'ali Ma'atam and their residence.

Meanwhile, a call went out to parents to keep a watchful eye on their children to prevent such tragic accidents in the future.

It came as MP Ahmed Al Sa'ati visited the family last night and pledged to highlight the issue with the Social Development Ministry to provide help if required.

"This is a tragic incident and parents need to be more vigilant when they have children at home," he said.

"They need to keep an eye on their activities and check each and every corner of the house before doing anything major.

"Children don't sit idle. They always play inside the house or outside, in any place of their choice.

"It's the responsibility of the parents and community members to start awareness campaigns in neighbourhoods to ensure the safety of children.

"This is another tragedy which was just waiting to happen. "Parents are responsible for it and they need to be more careful while driving." aniqa@gdn.com.bh