Charbel Kassas (right), 11,has started to open his eyes while in a coma after allegedly being mowed down by a drunk driver. His sister Mabelle (left) was also injured
An 11-year-old boy who was hit by an out-of-control car driven by an alleged drink driver has started to open his eyes while in a coma, three weeks after the tragedy that killed his three cousins.
Charbel Kassas was critically injured when a car slammed into him while walking with his cousins to get ice cream on February 1 in Oatlands, in Sydney’s north west.
Abdallah siblings Sienna, eight, Angelina, 12, and Antony, 13, died in the accident in, alongside their 11-year-old cousin Veronique Sakr.
Charbel is so critically injured that paramedics were forced to intubate him at the scene, before rushing him to Westmead Children’s Hospital under police escort.
On Monday, a close friend of the Kassas family said Charbel remains in a coma with significant injuries to his spine and brain, but has started to show signs of recovery.
‘He’s had moments of opening and closing his eyes and his doctors say that he can hear bits and pieces,’ Rimonda Abi Zeid wrote on the Go Fund Me page created to raise money for Charbel.
‘The full extent of his injuries are still unknown — so far we know his critical injuries include a broken spine and legs.
The two children (pictured at front, with their parents and siblings) were rushed to hospital. A close friend of the Kassas family said Charbel remains in a coma with significant injuries to his spine and brain
Abdallah siblings Sienna, 8, Angelina, 12, and Antony, 13, died at the scene in Oatlands, Sydney’s north-west, alongside their 11-year-old cousin Veronique Sakr (pictured: the scene of the crash
‘At this stage, it is unclear when he’ll wake from his coma. There are multiple phases of a coma and he is currently in the beginning stages. Charbel has a long road ahead of him.’
Ms Zeid praised doctors and nurses for the ‘incredible’ job they’ve done taking care of Charbel.
Charbel’s parents Assaad and Rania have only been in Australia for a short time and do not have access to Medicare.
‘All medical expenses are out of pocket and will increase dramatically. They need to be by their son’s bedside and he will require full time care,’ Ms Zeid said.
Samuel William Davidson (pictured), 29, was allegedly three times the legal blood alcohol limit when he drove into the group of seven children
‘The Kassas Family have not asked for any financial assistance at this stage but being their neighbour and close friend, I, Rimonda Abi Zeid am witnessing the effects this traumatic disaster is having on the family and can foresee what lies ahead.
‘We are now seeking for the community’s help and contribution. Any donation made towards this beautiful humble family is greatly appreciated.’
As of Tuesday afternoon, a total of $154,780 has been raised of $200,000 goal.
Samuel William Davidson, 29, was allegedly three times the legal blood alcohol limit when he drove into the group of seven children.
He is facing 20 charges, including four counts of manslaughter following the four children’s deaths.
Danny and Leila Abdallah said they hope that if any good is to come from the tragic accident which killed three of their children, it will be that parents ‘enjoy every minute with your kids’
The Abdallah parents broke down on Tuesday at the shrine and embraced each other, before revealing they forgived the driver accused of killing three of their children
Danny and Leila Abdallah, who lost three children in the tragedy, have been regulars at the site of the car crash in the recent days.
Less than 12 hours after the accident happened, Mr Abdallah bravely fronted media to pay tribute to his son and two daughters.
‘I’m numb… that’s what I feel at the moment,’ he said.
‘These kids were just walking innocently, enjoying each other’s company … and this morning I woke up and I have lost three kids.
‘I told them to go for a walk, a little walk and stay together. ‘You guys should be OK’.