Babinda car crash: Kimberley Aitken breaks back in shocking accident
A young North Queensland twin who miraculously survived a horrific car crash with a broken back, smashed ribs and a nasty facial wound is bravely battling back.
Townsville
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A young North Queensland twin miraculously who survived a horrific car crash with a broken back, smashed ribs and a nasty facial wound is bravely battling back.
Well-known Babinda woman Kimberley Aitken, 20, was taking her first steps at Townsville University Hospital on Tuesday less than a week after the serious single-vehicle accident near the intersection of Howard Kennedy Dr and Peever Rd at 9pm on Thursday, September 19.
Mother Amanda Bradley said she arrived on the scene of the terrible accident shortly after 9pm to see her daughter lying on the ground in a shocking condition.
“It wasn’t looking good at all, she was covered in blood, she’s just lucky to be here, lucky to walk again, it’s unbelievable, she can’t believe it herself.”
Family friend Jade Atkinson said there were a total of five people in the car, including Kim and close friends Larrisa and Emily, also aged 20.
The other two occupants of the vehicle were the driver, an older male, and his brother.
Ms Atkison said the five had been at the Babinda State Hotel and were heading to a friend’s house when the crash occurred.
Ms Atkinson said the Toyota Hilux left the road, cleared a culvert and struck trees and bushes, crumpling the roof above the front-passenger seat where Kimberley was seated.
“The car was embedded in the tree because when they ripped the car out of the drain, the tree was still connected to the car,” she said.
“The kids have all freaked out, Kim’s obviously been knocked out with the head injury and she’s woken up screaming for someone to come and get her out of the car.”
She was eventually freed with the help of a local resident, with Queensland Fire and Rescue and Queensland Ambulance Service crews also arriving quickly.
QAS confirmed that two women in their early 20s had been transported to Innisfail Hospital, including one with minor injuries.
Ms Atkinson said Kim was airlifted to TUH the next day where she underwent surgery on her back and plastic surgery that will leave her with a “Harry Potter-style scar” on her forehead.
She said Kim had six screws and two metal rods inserted in her back.
“She was lucky it was her (lower back just above the hips), she was very, very lucky or she would have been paralysed and her ribs are all broken.”
Ms Atkinson said Kim’s mother, Amanda Bradley, twin sister Kate and older sister Jayne were also at TUH as she bravely took her first steps on what will be a long road to recovery.
Kim and Kate, both schooled locally, work in the banana industry.
Mother Amanda said Kim was a hard-worker who was stressed about her employment but “the boss said they’ll sort it out when she gets better”.
Kimberley said she was “getting there, one day at a time”.
She said it was devastating to be so badly injured, but thankful she was alive and would make what she hoped was a full recovery.
Ms Atkinson has established a GoFundMe page to help the family deal with the financial fallout.
Queensland Police Service, which also attended the accident, confirmed the investigation was ongoing and asked that anyone with relevant information or vision make contact.
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Originally published as Babinda car crash: Kimberley Aitken breaks back in shocking accident
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