Dapto Father Praises Rescuers After Son's Traumatic E-Bike Crash in Horsley
A Dapto father has publicly thanked emergency services after his 12-year-old son suffered severe injuries in a traumatic e-bike crash in Horsley, with the incident underscoring critical safety lessons for young riders. The accident occurred on Friday, January 23, when Kruze Carney was riding his e-bike and swerved, causing him to crash over the handlebars onto Morson Avenue around 12.45pm.
Serious Injuries and Swift Emergency Response
Kruze sustained multiple serious injuries in the fall, including broken arms—one of which was a compound fracture—and a broken leg. Bystanders discovered the boy trapped underneath his bicycle, prompting an immediate and extensive emergency response. A NSW Ambulance road retrieval team, featuring a doctor and intensive care paramedic, was deployed alongside a rescue helicopter and police to the scene.
His father, Troy Carney, recounted the harrowing moment he arrived, noting his son was covered in cuts and grazes. "All of the times I'd harassed him and told him to put his helmet on and do it up properly, I was so relieved he still had it on," Mr Carney said. This vigilance likely prevented a head injury, as Kruze only suffered facial grazes in that area.
Fear and Recovery in the Aftermath
As Kruze was airlifted to Sydney Children's Hospital Randwick, fear set in about the extent of his injuries. "He was scared in the beginning when he saw how bad his arms were. He thought he'd lose one of his arms," Mr Carney explained. Upon arrival, a surgical team was waiting, and Kruze underwent immediate surgery, requiring metal plates and screws for his fractures. He spent four days in hospital and now uses a wheelchair with limited hand mobility.
The recovery process has been challenging, with doctors monitoring for infection due to the exposed bone in his compound fracture. Additionally, a leg break through a growth plate raises concerns about potential impacts on his future growth. The injuries have forced Kruze to miss his first day of Year 7 and postpone a family holiday to Bali.
Gratitude for Emergency Crews
Mr Carney has expressed profound gratitude to all involved in his son's care, from first responders on Morson Avenue to medical teams in Sydney. "It was a pretty hectic time, but looking back on it, from the time of getting onto the helicopter, the hospital, everybody was obviously amazing," he said. He highlighted the efficiency of the response, noting that Kruze was in surgery within one and a half hours of arrival.
Paramedic and police crews in the Illawarra were particularly praised for their treatment at the crash site and transport to Reed Park, where the rescue helicopter had landed. "The whole thing was better than expected," Mr Carney added, emphasising the vigilance and support shown throughout the ordeal.
Context on E-Bike Safety and Regulations
This incident comes amid growing concerns about e-bike safety in New South Wales. Recently, police were granted new powers to seize and crush illegal, high-powered electric bikes that resemble motorcycles more than bicycles, as announced by the NSW Government on February 8. While this legislation targets illegal models, it has sparked discussions among riders of legal e-bikes who feel caught in the public debate.
It is important to note that the Mercury does not suggest the bike ridden by Kruze Carney was illegal. The crash serves as a stark reminder of the risks associated with e-bikes and the importance of proper safety measures, such as helmet use, for all riders.
As Kruze continues his recovery, travelling to Randwick for ongoing wound care, his family remains focused on his healing journey, supported by the community and emergency services that responded so effectively to his crisis.
