Eight-Year-Old Kid Miraculously Rescued Several Children in Deadly Car Crash That Killed Three People

An eight-year-old Girl Scout has been hailed as a hero after helping rescue children from a burning, overturned vehicle following a head-on collision in Indiana that killed three people.

Amelia Freeland was travelling home from a Girl Scout trip to Holiday World in Pike County on 29 August when the vehicle carrying her and four other children was struck by a Toyota Camry allegedly being driven by a man fleeing police.

The crash on State Road 64 near Stendal killed 41-year-old Amanda Wertman, while her eight-year-old daughter, Michaela, later succumbed to her injuries in hospital. The driver of the Camry also died at the scene.

The Hero Herself Incurred Injuries Too

Amelia's mother, Tasha Cox, said her daughter was able to free herself after the vehicle overturned and then helped the other children unbuckle their seat belts.

'My kiddo, whatever this all come about, she told us that the car flipped over and that the other car was on fire,' 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.'

Cox said Amelia helped five-year-old Theodore Wertman out of the wreckage. The two children were outside the vehicle when emergency responders arrived.

Theodore was travelling with his mother and sister when the collision occurred. His mother and sister died, leaving him to recover while grieving the loss of both.

Amelia herself suffered significant injuries in the crash.

'She has compressed fractures in her neck. They told me it'll be about four to six weeks before they should be healing,' Cox said.

Survivors Recover as Families Seek Support

Amelia and Theodore were among the children later released from hospital as their recoveries continued. By 7 September, all three surviving children who had been hospitalised had reportedly been discharged.

Oaklie Disney, eight, was also seriously injured and suffered brain haemorrhages. Earlier in her recovery, her family said she experienced dizziness and vomiting and struggled to eat.

Amelia has also been dealing with bruising around her hip and pelvis, making walking painful. Doctors are expected to monitor her neck injuries and may consider further X-rays and physical therapy as she recovers.

The tragedy has prompted fundraising efforts for the affected families. GoFundMe campaigns have been established to help cover medical treatment, hospital bills, travel, accommodation and lost income.

One appeal supporting Amelia's recovery said: 'We are incredibly grateful for every donation, share, prayer, and kind thought.'

Another fundraiser has been established for Theodore and his father, Simon, with donations intended to help with his treatment and medical expenses.

The Indiana State Police Crash Reconstruction Team is investigating the circumstances surrounding the collision. Authorities said the Toyota Camry had been involved in a police pursuit that began after a deputy responded to a reported domestic violence-related incident. The investigation is expected to examine the events leading up to the crash and the sequence of events that resulted in the fatal head-on collision.

For the families, the crash has brought unimaginable loss. However, amid the tragedy, Amelia's actions have emerged as a remarkable story of courage.