The community has rallied to offer support to those involved in the accident which saw a nine-month-old baby boy airlifted to Canberra and then to Sydney after he was run over in Ocean View Avenue, Merimbula by a 4WD on Saturday, March 15.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Yesterday the baby was in a stable condition in Sydney Children’s Hospital, Randwick, but his mother said that there was a long road ahead with the baby expected to be hospitalised for two months.
Police said that at about 5pm on Saturday, March 15, emergency services were called to Ocean View Avenue, after a nine-month-old baby was hit by a Mitsubishi Pajero reversing from a neighbouring driveway. The 67-year-old male driver was breath-tested and provided a negative sample.
Police stated: “The baby was on the road at the time of the accident at the rear access to the property.”
Paramedics were called to the scene and said that the baby was in a very serious condition with head and facial injuries. The baby was taken to Bega Hospital and the Snowy Hydro SouthCare helicopter arrived just after 6pm to transfer the baby to The Canberra Hospital emergency department. From there the baby was airlifted to Sydney Children’s Hospital, Randwick.
The baby’s mother was full of praise for the emergency services. She told the News Weekly: “SouthCare and Careflight are amazing as they have been instrumental in getting our baby where he needed to be and fast. The crew on those choppers are thorough, compassionate and very good at their jobs. Also Ronald McDonald House is unbelievable.”
The family has been amazed by all the assistance offered by so many people and said the social workers were also amazing.
The baby’s mother said: “The police and ambulance were very quick in arriving on the scene. Paramedics constantly reassured us the best care was being given. They treated it like it was personal, not like it was just a job.”
The baby’s mother also said that it was a tragic accident full of bad timing and that her neighbour saved the baby’s life by stopping the moment he felt a bump (not knowing at the time it was the baby). She added: “He was also very alert and helpful with what to do next and how to position the baby while waiting for the ambulance.”
The baby’s mother was also keen to make it clear that the baby had not crawled next door.
On Tuesday investigating detectives returned to the scene of the accident to make a video re-enactment with the driver of the 4WD.
Officers from Far South Coast Local Area Command are investigating the accident and are appealing for anyone who witnessed the incident to come forward.
Janita Fernando, of Bournda said that prayers had been said for the baby at Pambula Baptist Church. Many local people turned to Facebook to express their concern and well wishes for the families involved showing compassion and understanding of a terrible situation.
Mrs Fernando said: “They (the family) need their community to support them and lift them up as does the driver of the vehicle. Sometimes accidents just happen and happen quickly. Please think before you speak about this situation. Baby boy and family our thoughts and prayers are with you.”
Sandra Moscarda said: “This involves the lives of two different families. My heart and best wishes goes to all involved. Accidents happen, no one should point their finger to anyone. Imagine what they are all going through. My prayers for the baby boy, family and friends and to the poor man who ran him over accidentally, his family and friends.”