Ruby-Storm Sarahmay Kayrooz, 12, fighting for life after e-scooter crash, Sunshine Coast
A mother says her family is in for “the fight of our lives” after a girl suffered two collapsed lungs, brain damage and more in a horror crash while riding her e-scooter to school.
Sunshine Coast
Don't miss out on the headlines from Sunshine Coast. Followed categories will be added to My News.
A 12-year-old schoolgirl has suffered two collapsed lungs, brain damage and more after being hit by a P-plater while riding her e-scooter to school on the footpath Wednesday morning.
Ruby-Storm Sarahmay Kayrooz, 12, is fighting for life in the Sunshine Coast University Hospital after being struck by a car while riding her e-scooter to school.
Emergency services were called to the horror crash on Main Rd, Maroochydore just after 8am.
Police said in a statement an initial investigation indicated the girl was riding her e-scooter on the footpath when a Kia Rio pulled out of a driveway onto Main Rd and collided with the girl.
The car had a green P-plate.
The driver, a 21-year-old Maroochydore woman, is assisting police with inquiries.
A Queensland Police Service spokesman said no charges had been laid.
Ruby’s mother, Rebecca Cronan, 46, of Bli Bli, said she was gutted when she got the call.
“I was vomiting in the backyard and on the drive to the hospital,” she said.
“We’re in for the fight of our lives.
“She has two collapsed lungs, a split spleen and probably brain damage.
“The first 48 hours will be critical. She’s not breathing on her own so could get an infection in her lungs.
“They don’t know yet if her brain is coping. There was no oxygen to her brain for 21 minutes.
“They are pretty sure she has a broken neck and is in a neck brace but they can’t do scans or move her yet.
‘There’s also concerns for a broken elbow and both her legs are in bad way.
“She’s missing skin from head to toe.”
The heartbroken mother said despite the tragedy she was feeling hopeful.
“It’s a miracle she’s even alive so she might pull through yet,” Ms Cronan said.
“The not knowing is the hardest part but I’m feeling positive and hopeful after seeing her.
“But I’m scared.”
Ms Cronan said the impact of the crash even knocked out Ruby’s last, loose baby tooth.
“It became lodged in her throat,” she said.
Ruby is in Year 7 at Maroochydore State High School. Her mother said she was e-scootering to school, had passed the school, and was meeting up with a friend to e-scooter to go to school together when it happened.
“She was travelling up a hill when she saw the car backing out of the driveway,” Ms Cronan said.
“She tried to swerve but it all happened so fast.
“She was wearing a bright pink helmet from Anaconda which saved her life.
“A lifesaver was on scene and gave her CPR and a tradie stopped to jack up the car and get her out. I’m so thankful for them and everyone on scene and at the hospital. Everyone is doing the best they can do.”
Ruby is known among her friends, family and school community for her kind soul and love of sports.
“She is amazing and she can do anything,” her mother said.
“She loves skateboarding, roller skating and is a gymnast. She also plays netball for her school.
“She’s a tough girl. But she’s also kind hearted and would help anyone.
“She’s just this little, gentle, beautiful person. Always helping and being kind and loves everyone.”
Although shaken and heartbroken, Ms Cronan did not blame the 21-year-old woman driving.
“I want everyone to stop being mean to the driver online,” she said.
“She’s just a young girl herself.
“She didn’t do it on purpose and would be struggling.”
More Coverage
Originally published as Ruby-Storm Sarahmay Kayrooz, 12, fighting for life after e-scooter crash, Sunshine Coast