Police have confirmed the driver of a tractor that hit and killed a three-year-old boy in southern Tasmania last night was the child's father.
Police and emergency services were called to an incident on a farm at Kettering south of Hobart, at 7:30pm on Thursday.
Inspector David Wiss from Tasmania Police said the boy died at the scene.
"Sadly, last night a three-year-old boy was killed as the result of a tragic tractor accident," he said.
"Unfortunately, the three-year-old boy was pronounced deceased at the scene."
Inspector Wiss said no details about the circumstances surrounding the collision or the injuries to the boy would be released.
"There's nothing to suggest that this is other than a tragic accident," he said.
"The family and the parents are understandably very traumatised by the incident.
"They are still trying to come to terms with the passing of their child."
Counselling is being offered to the family and a report is being prepared for the coroner.
Inspector Wiss said it was a difficult scene for police and ambulance officers to attend.
Community shocked and saddened
Kingborough Mayor Steve Wass said it was an extremely distressing event for the small rural community.
"With probably the whole of the municipality it's just been [a reaction] of shock and sadness and grieving for the family," he said.
Mr Wass expected residents would do what they could to support the boy's parents.
"Kettering is a very caring community, and I think the people of Kettering would put their hand out to the family," he said.
"On behalf of council and on behalf of the Kingborough community to the family: we're certainly grieving with you and our thoughts are certainly with you and we respect your privacy."
In October, the close-knit community of Swansea on Tasmania's east coast was shocked by the death of a six-year-old boy, killed by a log truck being reversed by his father.
