Aussie woman's horrific injuries after being hit by garbage truck
A woman who sustained life-threatening injuries after being struck by a garbage truck in Brisbane earlier this month is slowly recovering in hospital, but has a “very, very long road” ahead, her family has revealed.
Michelle was crossing Elizabeth Street in Paddington just before 9am on December 8 when she was hit by the truck as it turned right, Queensland Police said.
The 31-year-old sustained “very serious” injuries in the “horrific” accident, including skin, muscle and nerve damage from her chest to her knees, a fractured pelvis, and minor internal organ damage, her friend Carly Penna wrote on a GoFundMe created to help Michelle and her family as she undergoes numerous operations.
Ms Penna said Michelle has “already undergone three life-saving surgeries” but “several more” are required, including “a lot” of skin grafting which is ongoing.
Michelle’s parents have travelled to Brisbane to support their daughter while she recovers at the Royal Brisbane and Women’s Hospital.
“I created this fundraiser for her family to assist with the ongoing expenses involved in sitting bedside with Michelle,” Ms Penna wrote on the fundraiser page, which had accumulated nearly $10,000 on Monday morning. “All funds will be directly received by her family to help with expenses including but not limited to — hospital parking, meals at the hospital, fuel and accommodation costs.
“Michelle's parents never ask for help but at this critical time appreciate any amount of help they can get.”
Woman still at 'huge risk' of infection, nerve damage
The 31-year-old’s dad, Michael, provided an update on his daughter’s condition on Saturday and thanked everyone for their generosity and care.
“Michelle is recovering very well, the doctors are very happy with her progress,” he said. “The serious damage control is now completed. Michelle still has some surgeries to go but right now she is stable. Michelle's recovery is a very, very long road, (she has already shown how strong she is and she will keep on fighting through recovery).”
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Her father said there is still a “huge risk” she could develop an infection. “Nerve damage is still a big risk also,” he added.
An investigation into the accident is ongoing, with investigators from the Forensic Crash Unit appealing for anyone who may have witnessed the crash, or have relevant dash cam vision from the area at the time of the incident, to come forward.
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