A tradesman has recounted a terrifying road rage incident where he narrowly escaped an axe attack after a minor traffic accident.
Rico Nekelo considers himself fortunate to be alive, but now he faces the challenge of recovering from both the mental and physical wounds inflicted during the ordeal in Melbourne.
While on his way to visit a friend last month, Nekelo found himself in a life-threatening situation instead.
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“At the scene, I felt like I was on the verge of death. I started feeling cold, and my eyes were beginning to close,” he recounted to 9News.
The frightening road rage incident began when a reckless driver crashed into Nekelo’s vehicle in Cranbourne on April 6.
The horror road rage attack unfolded after an erratic driver collided with Nekelo’s car in Cranbourne on April 6.
The 21-year-old said he copped an axe to the back, twice.
“I pretty much got out of the car, and he got out at the same time with an axe and Yeah, I just started running,” he said.
Rico Nekelo was on his way to see a mate last month but instead came close to death. Nine
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His injuries were so severe his surgeon said he was lucky to be alive.
His sister Charlotte Vemoa said it was a “very violent attack for something that was very minor”.
While Rekelo’s out of hospital, he’s still carrying the scars of the nightmare ordeal.
The horror road rage attack unfolded after an erratic driver collided with Nekelo’s car in Melbourne on April 6. Nine
“I would say it’s, it’s been very hard as an older sibling to watch,” Vemoa said.
His mother, Mate Carnahan, said it had been mentally hard for loved ones, who felt helpless and were desperate for support.
“So the victim assistance program. I’ve been trying to reach out to them since the hospital, so maybe five weeks now,” Nekelo said.
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Rico Nekelo’s mother, Mate Carnahan, said it had been mentally hard for loved ones, and his sister Charlotte Vemoa said it was a “very violent attack. Nine
His mother said the government was failing victims.
“He didn’t ask this to happen to him. They’re failing,” she said.
His alleged attacker was arrested at the scene but arrested pending further inquiries.
Meanwhile, Nekelo will be unable to work for months.
“It’s an everyday struggle,” he said.