Karl Boevink ‘lucky to be alive’ after horrific stolen car crash in Condon

Trapped under the wheel of a stolen ute, an injured Townsville motorcyclist said he thought he would die after youths ploughed into him and tried to keep driving. WARNING: GRAPHIC IMAGES.

Police at the scene of a stolen vehicle and motorcycle crash on Riverway Drive, Condon at 11.49pm on Tuesday. Picture: Facebook

Trapped under the wheel of a stolen ute, an injured Townsville motorcyclist said he thought he would die after youths ploughed into him and tried to keep driving.

Karl Boevink, 27, said he was on the way to pick up his partner on his motorbike when a stolen Nissan Navara crashed into him in Condon about 11.49pm on Tuesday.

He believes it had been a “deliberate attack” and was left completely baffled when two of the kids allegedly involved were arrested and released on bail.

Now, he hopes to attend the Townsville Rally Against Crime on Sunday and share his experience – only if he’s medically ready to do so.

Mr Boevink said he had been travelling inbound along Riverway Dr when the stolen ute pulled out in front of him from the Ampol service station.

“They were in the left lane. I was in the right,” he said.

“I caught up to them and they slowed right down as they noticed me.”

Motorcyclist Karl Boevink, 27, was hit by a stolen Nissan Navara on Riverway Drive, Condon on Tuesday night.

He said he began to suspect something was off with the ute when he noticed its headlights were off and there was panel damage at the rear.

“Then I saw one of the kid’s skinny little arms and thought, this must be a stolen vehicle,” Mr Boevink said.

“The second I said that to myself, they slammed on the brakes, revved the guts out of the engine and turned into me.

Police at the scene of a stolen vehicle and motorcycle crash on Riverway Drive, Condon at 11.49pm on Tuesday. Picture: Facebook

“I smashed into the driver’s side door, breaking the window and causing their airbags to activate.

“My leg got caught in the wheel well as they continued to drive.

“I got pulled into the wheel well and tried to push myself out.

“The car stalled on top of the motorbike, and they were still trying to start the car while my head was underneath the wheel.

“They couldn’t start it, and they ran away.”

“I think 100 per cent I’m lucky to be alive.”

Motorcyclist Karl Boevink, 27, was hit by a stolen Nissan Navara on Riverway Drive, Condon on Tuesday.

Mr Boevink said he had a bone sticking out of his left shin and was grateful for the passing motorists who stopped to help him at the scene while waiting for the ambulance.

He was taken to Townsville University Hospital in a stable condition and underwent surgery after fracturing his tibia/fibula.

Police have charged three juveniles over the incident.

A 17-year-old boy was charged with unlawful use of a motor vehicle, was refused bail and is due to appear in Townsville Children’s Court.

In the meantime, a 15-year-old boy and a 13-year-old girl facing the same charges have been granted bail.

Mr Boevink said it was frustrating that the alleged offenders were out on the street again while he anxiously awaited surgery that could potentially change his life.

“These kids, they’re definitely not afraid of the law,” he said.

“They understand it’s in their favour.”

Originally published as Karl Boevink ‘lucky to be alive’ after horrific stolen car crash in Condon