Pike County, Indiana - An eight‑year‑old has been hailed as a hero after rescuing several children from a serious car accident that killed three people in Indiana.
On August 29, a man fled from the police in his Toyota Camry after a reported domestic violence incident.
As a result, he collided head‑on with another vehicle, according to People.
The crash killed the 41‑year‑old driver, Amanda Wertman, as the Indiana State Police announced in a statement on Facebook. The fleeing driver also died.
Four minors were in the car. The group had been returning from a Girl Scouts Trip.
Amanda's eight‑year‑old daughter, Michaela, did not survive either – she succumbed to her injuries in the hospital.
Eight-year-old Amelia Freeland was also in the vehicle at the time.
"My kiddo, whatever this all come about, she told us that the car flipped over and that the other car was on fire," mom Tasha Cox told 14 News. "And that she got unbuckled her seat belt and got out, and then she went and helped the other kids unbuckle their seat belts."
"She has compressed fractures in her neck. They told me it'll be about four to six weeks before they should be healing," Amelia's mother added.
The families are now pleading for support
Among the survivors is Amanda's five‑year‑old son, Theodore. He and Amelia were recently discharged from the hospital.
Oaklie Disney (8) was also in the car and suffered, among other injuries, brain hemorrhages in the crash.
She remains in the hospital, dealing with dizziness and vomiting – and she has trouble eating.
GoFundMe pages have been set up for those affected. Since Oaklie is still undergoing treatment, the family needs help covering "medical bills, travel expenses, lodging, and lost income."
Amelia, hailed as the heroine of the tragedy, and her family also rely on assistance during this time. "We are incredibly grateful for every donation, share, prayer, and kind thought," the GoFundMe page reads.
Theodore, who is now struggling greatly with the loss of his mother and sister, also needs financial support together with his father, Simon.
The donations are intended to cover Theodore's treatment costs and hospital bills, according to the fundraising appeal.