A mother watched on in horror as a car reversed over her toddler.
Mason Hayes was left with a broken arm and bruises to his face after he was trapped under the vehicle in Cork on Tuesday night.
Tony, the partner of Mason's mum Mags, freed the little boy who was rushed to Cork University Hospital at around 9.30pm.
Speaking to the Irish Mirror , Mags, 29, said: "Nights are now brighter for Mason to be outside playing.
"My partner was in and out watching him and then he heard the bang and ran out.
"He said the car was reversing back and before they stopped Mason was already under it.
"(After he was freed) Mason ran into me screaming crying saying his hand was sore; he kept crying and I tried my best to calm him down, but I got a bit of shock myself."
Doctors at Cork University Hospital revealed the extent of where the extent of his injuries were revealed.
Mags said: "He has a bruise and lump on the right side of his forehead and his arm is broken and in a cast for four weeks.
"I got a fright because Mason has always been healthy and he's a happy child, he has always been looked after.
"He was very quiet and scared all night, he slept all until 8 or 8.30am and he came alive slightly, he played with toys and he has been playing with his younger brother.
"He's walking around but is still saying his head is sore."
Mags said she was thankful the injuries were not worse.
She added: "I'm glad it wasn't anything too bad or worse to be honest. He has another check-up now in two weeks time."
After the crash the driver of the car stayed at the scene.
A garda spokesperson said: "Gardaí are investigating a road traffic collision involving a three-year-old boy and a car that occurred on the 21st May in St Michael's Close, Mahon, Co Cork at approximately 9.30pm.
"The child was brought to Cork University Hospital with minor injuries. The driver of the car was not injured during the collision."
