The son of a grey nomad severely injured in an horrific caravan accident at the end of last month has paid tribute to the emergency services who save his father’s life.
Hans Dykstra, 84, and his partner, Rina Jansen, 71, were driving near Tennant Creek on September 30, when they were hit by a powerful willy-willy which sent their vehicles rolling off the road.
The caravan was absolutely destroyed in the accident, and Mr Dykstra was left trapped inside the 4WD.
Mr Dykstra’s son, Rick, told the Northern Territory News that the emergency response to the crash in such a remote area was outstanding, and the subsequent medical treatment has been equally impressive.
“They have done what they would do for anyone else and by golly does the NT have a great rescue service,” he said. “It was a long way from anywhere to have a crash and to have people working together to save his life.”
The emergency response teams first had to delicately cut Mr Dykstra Sr from the wreckage. He was then flown from Alice Springs to Adelaide, where he underwent 10 hours of major reconstructive surgery on his feet and legs.
Rick was full of praise for the hospital staff in both Alice Springs and Darwin, and he said the surgery conducted by plastic, orthopedic and microsurgeons on his father had gone well. If all now goes to plan, Mr Dykstra Sr should be able to walk on his own again in a few months.
“Dad has a long way to go in his recovery,” said Rick.
At the time of accident, Mr Dyktsra and Ms Jansen has been on their way back to Melbourne after a trip up the west coast looking a wildflowers.
Sooo not all van accidents are driver /grey nomad related 🙂
Well I am pleased that this has turned out well and that Mr Dyktsra will recover.
Great that his son has acknowledged the work done by the medical and rescue professionals too. A rare commodity of appreciation expressed.
It is also good to know what caused this accident. An act of nature. Wrong place wrong time, nothing that the driver did or could do to cause this accident . It was the force of nature.
However, I would reason that a lot of people would have jumped on the bandwagon of “old gray nomad” shouldn’t be driving let alone towing a van at his age!
Sometimes pays to hear the reason why!
Hope he gets to continue the vanning life if that’s his desire!
His partner was driving and she is a very capable driver. Just like you said a force of nature. Hans has had extensive surgery and sadly they had to amputate his right leg below his knee. Hopefully they will be able to save his left leg.