The incident occurred in the Black Ridge View area of the city with NI Ambulance Service (NIAS) receiving reports of the collision shortly before 5pm this afternoon.
All three children were hospitalised while a 37-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of a number of offences including driving with excess alcohol in breath.
Speaking on BBC Radio Ulster, SDLP councillor Paul Doherty said: “The thoughts of the entire community here in west Belfast are with those three children – two girls and a young boy – and with their family. We’re hoping for a speedy recovery and a positive update soon.
“This was quite a traumatic incident for them and for everyone who witnessed that. For quite a new community, people really did come out and pull together. It was quite a disturbing scene in terms of an air ambulance and emergency services quickly coming onto the scene.”
Mr Doherty called for action to avoid any repeat incidents in the recently-build development off the Monagh ByPass.
“It’s a real stark reminder of the danger of reckless driving and why making our streets safer must be a priority. Every child should be able to feel safe to play outside their home or within their community,” he continued.
“There is a shock and concern (in the community). There are conversations ongoing about there being regular speeding in the area, and because it’s such a new development, the need for implementation of something to ensure children and pedestrians in the area are much safer. That’s something right away that I believe needs implemented. We can’t see scenes like we saw yesterday – absolutely horrific.
“There’s a fear there of families with young children – can they let them go out onto the street?
A NIAS spokesman said: “NIAS despatched three emergency crews to the incident. Ambulance control also tasked the Charity Air Ambulance with HEMS team on board to respond.
“Following assessment and initial treatment at the scene, three patients were taken to Royal Belfast Hospital for Sick Children.”
A 37-year-old was arrested on suspicion of a number of offences including driving with excess alcohol in breath.
The PSNI added: “A report was received shortly before 5pm that the car, whilst reversing, struck the children, two girls and a boy, as they played on the pavement.
“The children have been taken to hospital for treatment and a 37 year old man has been arrested on suspicion of driving with excess alcohol in breath, causing grievous bodily injury by dangerous driving and failing to stop, failing to report and failing to remain where an accident occurred causing injury. He remains in custody at this time.
“Officers would ask anyone who witnessed the incident or who captured dash-cam or CCTV footage which could of assistance to their investigation to contact police at Woodbourne on 101, quoting reference number 1201 24/08/25.”
The incident occurred in the Black Ridge View area (Photo: Alan Lewis)
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West Belfast Councillor Micheal Donnelly said: “A road traffic incident has taken place in Blacks Ridge. Our thoughts are with everyone involved. Police will be on the scene for some time and we ask the public to fully cooperate with their investigation.
“Again, our thoughts are with everyone involved.”