A dream holiday on the Greek island of Ios has turned into a nightmare for Sydney woman Michelle Bui, who is now fighting for her life after suffering a traumatic brain injury in an all-terrain vehicle (ATV) accident.
According to The Daily Telegraph, the young traveller was pinned beneath the vehicle after it veered off course and plunged into a ditch. Although she was believed to be wearing a helmet, it was not on her when she was found.
Ms Bui was airlifted to Thriasio Hospital in Athens, where scans revealed bleeding on the brain and a small fracture in her neck. Emergency surgery was carried out to remove part of her skull to relieve pressure.
Her friend, Ella Weinzettel, said the operation was successful and her skull has since been replaced — a positive sign in her recovery.
In addition to her brain injury, Ms Bui has sustained fractured ribs, bleeding between her lung and chest, and a fractured upper spine. These injuries will be managed conservatively and do not require further surgery at this stage. She remains sedated and on a ventilator in the hospital’s intensive care unit.
Source: The Daily Telegraph