A 17-year-old girl is in the “fight of her life” in hospital after she was hit by an allegedly speeding car during a cruise meet in inner-city Perth, sparking criticism by car enthusiasts of “hooning”.
Caitlyn Dickson was leaving an organised car meet near Crown Casino in Burswood when she was hit last night and rushed to hospital, where she remains in a serious condition.
A 25-year-year-old will face court tomorrow after being charged tonight over the crash.
READ MORE: Partner films man’s final moments before death in ambulance
Caitlyn’s parents, Paul and Bec Dickson, tonight said they were still in shock.
“We are so very grateful to the first responders,” they said, in a statement.
“It is a miracle that our beautiful girl is still alive – thanks to your efforts.
“Caitlyn is a fighter and we know is in for the fight of her life.”
Caitlyn was on foot when she was hit by a Honda Civic on Camfield Drive about 9.55pm (11.55pm AEST) yesterday.
She suffered internal bleeding and broken bones and was rushed to Royal Perth Hospital in a critical condition.
The impact shattered the car’s windscreen but the driver was uninjured.
READ MORE: Tragic call to neighbour to learn partner killed
“The body in the air, three, four metres in the air, flinging, like they do in the movies or in Grand Theft Auto,” witness Zak Madsen told 9News.
Police weren’t on site at the time but had been there earlier in the night.
An Ascot man has been charged with dangerous driving causing grievous bodily harm, in circumstances of aggravation.
It’s alleged he was speeding when he hit the teen pedestrian.
Car enthusiasts say anti-social behaviour is becoming more common at meets like this and they’ve had enough, some now fearing for their safety and choosing to stay away.
“You want to be able to go out and have a good night out with your mates and not have to look over your shoulder in fear,” witness Michael Wood said.
READ MORE: One group of Aussies exploited at ‘alarming’ rate by dodgy bosses
Premier Roger Cook weighed in today.
“We know the reason why these events are so popular amongst young people is because they film it, they post it online, they make it popular, which continues to drive that risky behaviour,” he said.
Locals say it’s another reason the Burswood race track shouldn’t go ahead.
“This is going to impact and escalate the hooning that’s already happening on Canfield drive with the race track happening,” Save Burswood Park co-convenor Robin Harvey said.
An online fundraiser has been set up to help the Dicksons.
DOWNLOAD THE 9NEWS APP: Stay across all the latest in breaking news, sport, politics and the weather via our news app and get notifications sent straight to your smartphone. Available on the Apple App Store and Google Play.
