Latest news with #scooter crash
Daily Mail
3 days ago
- Daily Mail
Harrowing new details emerge about the horror scooter crash in Bali that left a Melbourne mum fighting for life
The fiancé of a Melbourne mum who suffered life-threatening injuries while holidaying in Bali has recalled the harrowing moment he feared that she was dead. Julia Kirishun, 38, originally from Moscow, remains in hospital after a scooter crash in Seminyak, a popular beach resort on the Indonesian island on July 26. She suffered a subdural haematoma, a potentially fatal bleeding on the brain caused by head trauma, and underwent emergency surgery. She and fiancé Balazs Czako were just two days into a nine-day holiday to celebrate his 40th birthday. Disaster struck on the way back from dinner, after the couple decided to call it a night due to an early start to the birthday celebrations the next day. It was only a short drive, but the roads were wet and dark. The couple were only a few minutes from their hotel when things took a horrific turn. 'The route the GPS took us on was a completely unlit alley. There were no cars in front as I went around the bend but out of nowhere this black Toyota came out of a side alley from our left,' Mr Czako told When Mr Czako hit the brake, the rear wheel of the scooter jutted to the left, which caused the couple to fall from the vehicle. While Mr Czako's badly damaged foot looked as though it had 'been put through a blender,' he was more concerned about his fiancée. 'I managed to get up and quickly rushed over to Julia and quickly noticed she was unresponsive. I thought I had lost her, I thought she was dead,' he recalled. 'I started getting frantic and screaming 'wake up, baby' and tapping her on the cheek. I can't begin to describe what I was feeling.' Onlookers rushed to the couple's aid and called emergency services. Ms Kirishun was rushed to BIMC Hospital in Kuta, where a CAT scan confirmed she suffered bleeding and bruising on the brain. Mr Czako spent his birthday by her hospital bedside in intensive care after she underwent emergency brain surgery. While her condition has since stabilised, she remains too unwell to fly home. Mr Czako has launched a GoFundMe campaign to help assist with soaring medical bills, ongoing support and rehabilitation, and the unforeseen financial burden that has placed the family into a tough position. The surgery alone cost more than $30,000, with overall hospital expenses exceeding $55,000 which their travel insurer allegedly refused to cover due to 'technicalities'. Mr Czako is waiting to hear back from the insurer after their claim was initially denied. Faced with growing debts, including a hefty daily fee to keep his fiancée in the hospital, Mr Czako has been forced to borrow from family and access his life savings. The couple, whose nine-year-old Alexander, has special needs, thanked those who have so far contributed to the fundraiser. 'We cannot express how incredibly grateful we are for all your generous contributions to Julia's GoFundMe campaign,' Mr Czako wrote on Wednesday. 'Your kindness and support during this challenging time mean the world to us. 'Because of your donations, we are closer to making sure we are able to cover the funds for her life-saving treatments.' More than $33,000 has already been raised. The fundraiser described Ms Kirishun as a rare soul who lights up every room she walks into and shows up for everyone else. 'I am overwhelmed with the generosity of everyone's contribution no matter the amount. Every dollar counts, and your willingness to help will not be forgotten,' Mr Czako added. 'Thank you for standing by Julia's side and for being part of her journey to healing.'
ABC News
04-08-2025
- Health
- ABC News
Bali scooter crash victim Keanu Neilsen's surgery could cost more than $100,000
A mother has spoken of her family's anguish as they struggle to find the funds to pay for multiple surgeries for her son, who was seriously injured in a scooter crash in Bali last week. Keanu Neilson, 23, was in Bali for his sister-in-law's 30th birthday when his scooter collided with a ute in the Kuta tourist district in the early hours of Thursday morning. The Bundaberg father was taken to hospital with a bleed on his brain and serious breaks in his arm and pelvis, among other injuries. His mother, Catz Leche, who arrived in Bali this morning, said Mr Neilson had already had one surgery but needed more. "A few of my other family members managed to rustle up the money somehow, it was urgent they got him in," Ms Leche said. "But we have to pay for each surgery, and then you have to pay by the day for him to be there. "It's a long road for him." Mr Neilson has been heavily sedated since the accident. Ms Leche said the family was now struggling to come up with the funds for further surgeries. "He didn't have insurance, and this is what the problem is, they won't operate unless the money's paid up front," she said. Ms Leche said he may need four surgeries, which could cost $35,000 each. The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade is providing consular assistance to the family. Ms Leche, from Airlie Beach in North Queensland, said she heard the news of her son's accident early on Thursday morning. Mr Neilson's brother Dylan was with him in Bali, and his other brother Rhys flew there to be by his side, along with Dylan's wife and Mr Neilson's partner. "Dylan said, 'I can't look at him, Mum, he's a mess,'" Ms Leche said. "I couldn't let me emotions crack, I couldn't cry. I've had to try and be the strong one for my kids. "I don't know what to say to my boys down the phone when I talk to them, they're crying, they're upset. "Nothing's going to make it better till he's had surgery and we know he's going to pull through it." Ms Leche said she had to believe her son would be okay, describing him as a fun and loving man. "He's so polite, well-mannered, would give the shirt off his back to help anybody out, he's got the biggest heart of gold," she said. Mr Neilson also has a three-year-old daughter, Ellie. He and his former partner share custody. "She is his world, and he's so good with her," Ms Leche said. "And she absolutely dotes on Keanu, adores him."
