Doctors feared the worst when Rhyle Abiado, 11, was hit by a train at Evanston Gardens – but the miracle boy is heading home

11-year-old Rhyle Abiado was struck by a train in February while on his way to school. His injuries were so traumatic doctors were not sure he would make it. Now, he’s getting ready to go home.

Doctors feared the worst when Rhyle Abiado, 11, was hit by a train at Evanston Gardens – but the miracle boy is heading home.

Rhyle Abiado is the boy hit by a train who lived to tell the tale.

In what his parents say is a miracle, the 11-year-old – struck by a train at Tambelin railway station at Evanston Gardens on February 28 while on his way to Trinity College – is preparing to go home from the Women’s and Children’s Hospital.

Rhyle sustained life-threatening injuries and it was touch and go whether he would survive, and if he did whether he would have lifelong disabilities.

After receiving roadside treatment from paramedics and MedSTAR doctors, Rhyle was rushed to the WCH where he was immediately treated by emergency department clinicians, working to save his life.

He sustained a traumatic brain injury, a fractured skull, damaged spleen and lung injuries with clinicians and his family unsure of what the outcome would be. He was placed in an induced coma for more than a week.

Rhyle Abiado, 11, with his mother Lucila, father Marvin, sister Davie and grandmother Francisca Galunza is almost ready to go home. Picture: Dean Martin

Police and emergency services at Tambelin train station in Evanston Gardens, after Rhyle was hit by the train in February. Picture: Matt Loxton

Parents Lucila and Marvin were advised to take things one day at a time, seeking comfort from friends, family and local community who rallied around them.

Rhyle Abiado in the hospital, with life-threatening injuries. Picture: Supplied

However, after more than three months in the WCH, Rhyle has made a miraculous recovery and is talking, eating and sitting up on his own.

He now is looking forward to going home from hospital in the coming weeks to be with his parents and sister Davie, 5.

“He really is our miracle and we are so grateful to the people at the hospital, and also to our local community who have given us so much support,” Mrs Abiado said.

“We are Catholic, we prayed all the time and our prayers have been answered which has strengthened our faith even more.

“We were so worried, we just did not know what the outcome would be but his progress particularly in the past couple weeks has been amazing, even the doctors are amazed at his progress.

“He lost a lot of weight but has regained it and is now eating a lot – he is even asking for his favourite food, sushi.”

Rhyle Abiado with his family.

The Abiado family.

Rhyle still has a recovery journey ahead. He uses a wheelchair after so long in hospital due to muscle wastage but is relearning to walk, and he tires easily.

“He gets what they call brain fog and does get quite tired,” Mrs Abiado said.

“We obviously are hoping for a full recovery but the doctors are saying he may have some cognitive challenges — it will take time.”

The Abiado family praised hospital staff, and also Trinity College staff and students who were among first responders to the incident. The college has provided support for those at the scene.

Rhyle Abiado, 11, with five-year-old sister, Davie. Picture: Dean Martin

Nurse Unit Manager of the Kate Hill Ward at the WCH, Matt Carter, said Rhyle and his family’s attitude in the face of adversity had been inspirational

“Since Rhyle’s admission with life-threatening injuries, the courage and determination that he has demonstrated has been inspiring to all,” he said.

“His achievements since regaining consciousness have been miraculous, and Rhyle and his family have dedicated significant amounts of their time to participating in everything the medical teams have asked of them.

“This determination and positivity from Rhyle and his wonderful family have got him through to where he is today: speaking — which brought everyone to tears — learning to eat again, and the next challenge of learning to walk again.

“Rhyle and his family are inspiring people; it has been heartwarming to see him progress and get to this point where plans to go home are being made.”

The Department of Infrastructure and Transport says Tambelin Station is safe despite the incident. The station is not scheduled for a safety upgrade, which is being rolled out elsewhere on the same line.