Stan (7) Wakes from Coma After Austria Accident
Seven-year-old Stan Dejonghe from Handzame (Kortemark), West Flanders, has woken from a coma nearly three weeks after being seriously injured in a traffic accident during a family holiday in Austria. His father reports that doctors are positive about his recovery, offering hope after weeks of uncertainty for the young boy and his loved ones.
The Accident
The accident occurred on Sunday, August 2, shortly before 9 PM in Lermoos, a popular destination in the Austrian state of Tyrol. Stan was hit by a delivery van driven by a 63-year-old German man while crossing a road. According to Het Laatste Nieuws, the impact threw the boy through the air, and he landed heavily on the road.
The family was on their way to a holiday destination in Italy when they stopped in Lermoos. Stan and his older brother Kasper (13) were playing football on a parking area nearby when Stan urgently needed to use the toilet and crossed the road back to the restaurant where the family had just eaten.
“It all happened incredibly fast,” Stan’s father Lorenzo told HLN. “We had just eaten on the terrace of the restaurant and were about to pay the bill. My oldest son Kasper (13) wanted to play football with Stan on a field across the street. A few minutes later we heard that terrible crash.”
Critical First Days
Stan was initially conscious after the accident but was airlifted by trauma helicopter to the University Hospital in Innsbruck. He suffered a small skull fracture and was kept in an induced coma for the first two weeks. No surgery was needed.
The first 72 hours after the accident were described as critical. “The first two weeks they kept him in an induced coma,” his father explained. “Karolien and I were allowed to visit him about three times a day. The first days were the hardest. Especially because the first 72 hours were critical. Fortunately, Stan got through that. But it remained very tense. It was incredibly hard to watch.”
The driver of the delivery van was within the speed limit in the built-up area and tested negative for alcohol. He was deeply shocked by the incident.
Signs of Recovery
Over the past week, Stan has shown remarkable progress. “For several days Stan has been breathing independently,” his father said. “That’s an important step in the right direction. But they have been tough days. Waking up was accompanied by uncontrolled movements and withdrawal symptoms from the medication.”
Recent scans and tests have all been positive. Stan recognizes his parents and is trying to speak. He is currently on a high-care ward, no longer in intensive care. Since Wednesday evening, one of his parents has been allowed to sleep with him at the hospital.
On Wednesday, Stan was able to video-call his brother Kasper, who had returned to Belgium. “The most important thing is that Stan keeps making progress. And he is,” his father said. “On Wednesday he was able to video-call his brother for the first time, who is back in Belgium. An emotional moment. Especially when he blew his first kiss.”
The Road Ahead
The family hopes Stan can be repatriated to Belgium early next week with special medical transport to continue rehabilitation at UZ Gent. “The doctors are positive, so we are too,” Lorenzo said. “It will be a great relief for both him and us when we are back in our familiar surroundings.”
Starting school on September 1 is not realistic, according to the family. The focus is on recovery. “He recognizes us and tries to talk,” his father said. “But we realize there is still a long road ahead.”
Reflecting on the accident, Lorenzo emphasized the importance of road safety while acknowledging the unpredictable nature of such tragedies. “We have always taught our children how important road safety is,” he said. “But sometimes fate strikes in a few seconds. This is a terrible stupid accident, from which we must learn. Fortunately without fatal consequences.”
As Stan continues his recovery in Innsbruck, his family remains hopeful. The coming weeks will be crucial for his rehabilitation, and the support of his family, doctors, and the wider community in Belgium will be essential as the young boy begins the long journey back to health.