A tragic accident at the Bunbury Museum in Western Australia led to the death of a five-year-old boy named Sammy on January 17, 2025. Sammy was crushed by an unused parking meter that had been unsecured and leaning against a wall in the museum’s courtyard. The accident happened on January 15, during a school holiday activity run by the Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions (DBCA).
Following the accident, Sammy was first treated at Bunbury Regional Hospital before he was flown to Perth Children’s Hospital in critical condition. Despite the tireless efforts of the medical team, Sammy died two days later. The City of Bunbury, which oversees the museum, expressed its condolences to Sammy’s family and pledged full cooperation with the investigation into the incident.
A statement from the WA Police on behalf of Sammy’s family described him as a “cheeky, playful” child who “impacted everyone he met.” The family expressed gratitude for the public support and acknowledged the “loving and respectful” care provided by hospital staff, first responders, and museum staff. They also asked for privacy and stated they would not make further statements.
The incident has garnered significant attention, with WA Premier Roger Cook labeling it a “dreadful and very sad tragedy.” He underscored the responsibility of public institutions to ensure safety for visitors, stating, “Any institution that has members of the public coming through their doors has a responsibility and obligation to ensure that it doesn’t represent a risk to [the] public.”
Reece Whitby, the Environment Minister, characterized the incident as “gut-wrenching” and confirmed that WorkSafe WA is conducting a comprehensive investigation. He reassured the public that the DBCA would fully cooperate and adhere to all recommendations resulting from the inquiry. “We need to get the investigation underway,” Whitby stated, emphasizing the need to learn from the incident to avoid similar tragedies in the future.
Paul Papalia, the Police Minister, expressed his sorrow, stating, “At the time, I didn’t know the extent of the child’s injuries. I had hoped that he might recover.” He stressed the necessity for a thorough inquiry to understand the circumstances surrounding the incident.
Community members have rallied around the bereaved family, raising over $21,000 through a GoFundMe campaign to help with financial difficulties during this challenging time. The campaign described the tragedy as deeply affecting “family, friends, hospital staff, and the wider community” and called for collective support.
The incident has led to calls for stricter safety measures in public spaces. Authorities and museum management are expected to implement changes based on the investigation’s findings to prevent similar incidents in the future. The museum was scheduled to remain closed until January 28.
