PARAMEDICS have labelled a 12-year-old boy a hero following a single vehicle rollover near Turondale, north of Bathurst, yesterday.
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The crash occurred on Box Ridge Road just after 2pm when a Holden Commodore driven by a woman lost control on the dirt, skidded sideways and then rolled before hitting two trees.
Paramedics, the fire brigade and the NSW Ambulance helicopter were called to the crash, but only after the 12-year-old managed to escape the wreckage and walk to a neighbouring property to raise the alarm.
Paramedics said on arrival they found four people in the car: the female driver, her 33-year-old female passenger, the 12-year-old boy and a 15-month-old, who had both been travelling in the back.
The driver was dazed and suffering shock but otherwise unharmed, as was the 15-month-old.
The 12-year-old boy suffered a laceration to his face.
The front passenger sustained more serious injuries, suffering internal, leg and facial trauma.
Paramedics were told the car rolled several times before hitting a tree, and despite suffering facial injuries and no doubt suffering shock from the confronting scene, the 12-year-old managed to get out of the car and was able to walk to a nearby house and raise the alarm.
“The boy managed to get out of he car and make his way to a nearby home to get help,” a NSW Ambulance spokesperson said. “That is fantastic. He showed courage well beyond his years.”
The spokesperson said after the call for assistance was made, several ambulance units were sent, along with police and fire brigade. The NSW Ambulance Helicopter was also tasked to the scene.
Following treatment at the site, the 12-year-old and front passenger of the car were transported to Orange Base Hospital. The female driver and 15-month-old baby were otherwise uninjured.
Police investigations are continuing.