Adam Sebouh Kouzounian: Children pulled from burning car after Mildura crash

A passer-by helped pull two children from a burning car after a former paramedic who had been drinking veered off the road.

Mildura's Deakin Ave. Picture: Glenn Milne

A former paramedic and army vet has been banned from the roads after driving his car drunk through town.

Two children were in the car when Mildura man Adam Sebouh Kouzounian collided with a sign on the town’s main thoroughfare, mounting the gutter before hitting a road sign and bursting into flames.

A passer-by helped pull the two children from the wreckage.

Kouzounian, 40, faced Mildura Magistrates’ Court by audio link on Wednesday.

He pleaded guilty to two charges, including reckless conduct.

Police told the court on July 3 last year Kouzounian was travelling north on Deakin Ave when his car left the right lane and mounted the gutter, travelling about 20m before hitting the sign.

A witness observed the car in flames and helped remove the two children.

The vehicle was completely destroyed.

Kouzounian was described as appearing to be in shock and he initially refused to leave the car.

A preliminary breath test indicated the presence of alcohol and Kouzounian later recorded a .101 reading.

Kouzounian’s lawyer said he joined the Army at 17 and served in East Timor, describing experiences of being under fire more than once.

Before the crash he had been working as an ambulance officer in Mildura.

Kouzounian was said to have been receiving ongoing assistance for post-traumatic stress and had removed alcohol from his life.

A letter from Kouzounian’s mental health professional was handed to the court.

Magistrate Michael Coghlan acknowledged Kouzounian’s service, both in the Army and as a paramedic.

Mr Coghlan said Kouzounian, like other returned servicemen, was not immune to the effects of PTSD.

Kouzounian was disqualified from driving for 12 months and fined $1200.