Littleton girl, 10, dies after mother accidentally runs over her in driveway

By John R. Ellement, Globe Staff

A 10-year-old Littleton girl died at Children’s Hospital Boston last night, where she was rushed after her mother accidentally drove over her while the child was playing in the driveway of the family’s home.

Littleton Deputy Police Chief Matthew King said today the investigation is active. “However, everything that we’ve been able to determine just points to a tragic accident,’’ he said.

He identified the mother as Barbara Culhane and the girl as Bridget Culhane, who was MedFlighted from Littleton to the Boston hospital where she succumbed to her injuries around 7:30 p.m. last night.

King said the investigation showed that Barbara Culhane’s view of the right side of her car was blocked by parked cars and the driveway’s shape – it slopes downward – as she drove into the family’s home on Matawanakee Trail around 6 p.m.

At the time, Bridget Culhane was reportedly playing with a pet bird in the driveway when her mother drove over her.

“The daughter was laying down, playing in the driveway, and the mom, unfortunately, never saw her,’’ said King. Bridget was “up near the top of the driveway … below the view of the front of the vehicle.’’

King said there was no evidence of impairment on the part of Barbara Culhane.

“She was extremely upset,’’ King said of the mother. “The whole family is affected by this tragedy.’’