Dale Mason determined to walk again after being crushed by fridge in Townsville workplace accident

A brave 17yo apprentice remains determined to walk again after he was crushed by a fridge during a workplace accident.

Apprentice electrician Dale Mason, 17, was seriously injured in a workplace accident in Kirwan on May 10. Picture: Supplied

A brave 17-year-old apprentice remains ‘determined’ to walk again after he was crushed by a fridge during a work accident that left him with no feeling in his lower body.

At the tender age of 17, Dale Mason is now facing his biggest fight yet after being seriously injured in a workplace accident in Kirwan in North Queensland on May 10.

While working at his electrician apprenticeship, Dale had been moving a large fridge when he lost his footing, and it fell on top of him.

His mum, Connie van Genderen, described the horrifying moment: “The fridge essentially sandwiched him. Straightaway, he was in excruciating pain. The fellas at work ripped the fridge off him, and he tried to sit up but couldn’t feel his legs.”

Rushed to Townsville University Hospital, X-rays and MRIs revealed that Dale had broken his L1 lumbar vertebra.

“It was broken clean in half and was jutting out into the spinal cord, which caused quite a significant spinal cord injury,” Connie said.

Apprentice electrician Dale Mason, 17, was seriously injured in a workplace accident in Kirwan on May 10. Picture: Supplied

Despite undergoing surgery, Dale still struggles with no sensation in his lower limbs three weeks on and faces a long and uncertain journey of rehabilitation.

Connie said doctors could not tell them the chances of Dale being able to walk again, but she emphasised his determination.

“Obviously, it’s hard to talk about, but he’s doing well,” she said.

“Everybody’s different, and they can’t see inside the spinal cord, unfortunately, so it is just a waiting game.

“Obviously, he doesn’t want to be in a wheelchair for the rest of his life, and he said no amount of money would be able to change that. He’d rather walk.

“He’s determined, so whether he’s physically able to do that will be another hurdle, but I think going to Brisbane will be his best chance.”

Currently in the rehabilitation wing at Townsville University Hospital, Dale will be transferred to Brisbane’s Princess Alexandra Hospital’s spinal rehabilitation unit in 4-6 weeks.

Dale Mason, 17, will soon go down to Brisbane for spinal rehabilitation. Picture: Supplied

As Dale navigates this monumental shift in his young life, Connie will take unpaid leave from her full-time job to be by his side in Brisbane.

“I can’t send him on his own, even though he’s 17. He needs support,” she said.

In the face of this emotional and financial turmoil, Connie’s work colleagues have set up a GoFundMe campaign to help support her son and focus on his recovery.

“We really appreciate all the help we’ve been getting; it’s been a bit overwhelming, so we’re just trying to take it one day at a time at the moment,” Connie said.

“It’s obviously going to be a long road ahead for us.”

You can help here: https://bit.ly/3VpaFXP

Originally published as Dale Mason determined to walk again after being crushed by fridge in Townsville workplace accident