Caitlyn Dickson was hit while leaving a planned car gathering near Crown Casino in Burswood last night and was promptly taken to the hospital, where she remains in a critical state.
Caitlyn’s parents, Paul and Bec Dickson, tonight said they were still in shock.
“We are so very grateful to the first responders,” they said, in a statement.
“It is a miracle that our beautiful girl is still alive â thanks to your efforts.
“Caitlyn is a fighter and we know is in for the fight of her life.”
Caitlyn was on foot when she was hit by a Honda Civic on Camfield Drive about 9.55pm (11.55pm AEST) yesterday.
She suffered internal bleeding and broken bones and was rushed to Royal Perth Hospital in a critical condition.
The impact shattered the car’s windscreen but the driver was uninjured.
“The body in the air, three, four metres in the air, flinging, like they do in the movies or in Grand Theft Auto,” witness Zak Madsen told 9News.
Police weren’t on site at the time but had been there earlier in the night.
An Ascot man has been charged with dangerous driving causing grievous bodily harm, in circumstances of aggravation.
It’s alleged he was speeding when he hit the teen pedestrian.
Car enthusiasts are voicing concerns over the increase in anti-social behavior at such gatherings, with some feeling unsafe and opting to avoid attending these events altogether.
“You want to be able to go out and have a good night out with your mates and not have to look over your shoulder in fear,” witness Michael Wood said.
Premier Roger Cook weighed in today.
“These gatherings attract young people because they record them, post the footage online, and this fuels further risky conduct,” he stated.
Locals say it’s another reason the Burswood race track shouldn’t go ahead.Â
“This is going to impact and escalate the hooning that’s already happening on Canfield drive with the race track happening,” Save Burswood Park co-convenor Robin Harvey said.
An online fundraiser has been set up to help the Dicksons.
