Oh, puleeeeeze. 5 feet? There is absolutely NOTHING irresponsible about that.
Not dismissing whatever the problem with the mirror might be, as anyone under it would've certainly been hurt, but three-year-olds should be in the cart, out of the way of other carts, Wal-Mart merchandise carts and ladders and people who may be carrying a big enough box not to see small children. Nevertheless, it's a tragedy whether or not anyone is at fault. Sometimes an accident is just that and no one is to blame.
I won't be surprised if a lawsuit occurs though, even if Wal-Mart double checks and double-secures the mirrors in every store.
I agree. Freaky accidents happen, even when people are careful. This catastrophe was a freak accident and not at all the poor mother's fault.
In this day and age! Are you kidding that you see nothing wrong with it. That is more than a shopping cart away - generally recognized by all child safety experts as being the maximum distance a child should be allowed to stray from a parent at a store.
Turning your back on a child, especially a 3 yr old, is irresponsible!