Girl, 12, escapes 2.2m croc attack in Darwin rural area

A 12-year-old girl has escaped a croc attack in the Darwin rural area. Here’s why rangers say she was ‘extremely lucky’ to survive.

A young girl is lucky to be alive after escaping a croc attack in the Top End.

Rangers said a 2.2m saltwater crocodile attacked the girl in a creek in the Darwin rural area, shortly after midday on Thursday.

They said she escaped with minor injuries.

“The girl is extremely lucky to have escaped with minor injuries as a crocodile of that size has potential to cause major, life threatening injuries,” a Department of Environment, Parks and Water Security spokeswoman said.

A 12-year-old girl is lucky to be alive after escaping a croc attack in the Top End. The 2.2m croc was caught in a trap near Jenkins Rd on overnight. Picture: Department of Environment, Parks and Water Security

The 12-year-old girl was taken to Palmerston Regional Hospital in a stable condition.

She has since been discharged.

The crocodile was caught in a trap on Jenkins Rd overnight.

“This is a timely reminder to always be crocwise,” the spokeswoman said.

“High water levels during the wet season make it easy for crocodiles to move into areas undetected.

“Crocodiles can inhabit any body of water in the Top End.”

Rangers have removed more than 70 crocodiles from the management zone this year, including a 3.2m crocodile from Sandy Creek at Casuarina Coastal Reserve, and a 2.5m crocodile from Rapid Creek.

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