The mother of a two-year-old boy mowed down in a hit and run has revealed she thought her son was dead.
Zac Higgins was hit on Skehard Road in Cork on Monday evening and is in an induced coma in Temple Street Hospital, Dublin.
He suffered a bleed on his brain, a broken shoulder blade and collarbone, and his head needed to be glued after the smash.
His mother Aisling said it’s a “miracle” that Zac is still alive and revealed it has been a “rollercoaster” few days for the whole family.
Speaking on the Neil Prendeville Show on RedFM the mother of three said: “I was distraught, I couldn’t do anything, I thought he was dead.
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“I can’t even tell you how upsetting it is, it’s horrendous, I feel so helpless.
“Temple Street has been amazing, they’re all so helpful, so nice.
“He got a big knock to his tummy but it didn’t damage anything.
“There are all kinds of broken bones including a broken collar bone. Please God, they will all heal.
“The hospital staff said they couldn’t believe it – it’s a miracle that he is alive at all.
“Zac took the full brunt of the impact and it was at high speed too.
“Zac is still in an induced coma and all we can do is hold his hand, pray for him, sing to him, you know.
“That is all we can do. I would give anything to swap places with my little boy.
“I have prayed, prayed and prayed that he will wake up and be OK.”
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Zac’s dad Paul has been updating people via social media as to his condition and has been flooded with messages of support.
Aisling added: “We’re inundated with support, with all the messages we are getting it is impossible to reply.”
The family expect Zac will be kept under sedation for the weekend and they are being very cautious with him.
Gardai are still appealing for witnesses of the crash, involving a blue Mazda 6, which happened at 4pm on Skehard Road.
A male teenager was arrested in connection with the incident but has been released and a file is being prepared for the DPP.
Anyone with information or who may have dash cam footage is asked to contact Anglesea Street Garda Station 021 4522000 the Garda Confidential Line 1800 666 111 or any Garda Station.
