Mum sees son hit by bus
Friends rally to support young man fighting for life after shocking traffic accident
A GOLD Coast man is fighting for his life in hospital after being hit by a bus while waiting for his mother to pick him up.
Klaas Slijderink suffered severe head injuries from the accident at Carrara on Friday night and remains in a critical condition at Gold Coast University Hospital while his family maintain a bedside vigil.
Tragically, the 22-year-old’s mother saw the entire ordeal.
Exactly what caused the crash is under investigation, but police at the scene said it appeared Mr Slijderink, of Worongary, had stepped on to Nerang-Broadbeach Rd without seeing the bus heading towards him.
Inspector Jim Plowman said it was believed the young man had tried to flag down a car travelling westbound and hadn’t noticed the bus.
Dozens of paramedics were called to the scene about 10.30pm. They worked on the former Merrimac and Nerang State High School student for close to an hour.
They have been too distraught to speak, but dozens of Klaas’ friends took to social media with messages of support.
“C’mon Klaas. You’ll beat it”, Matiah Sessarago posted.
Duaine Wallis posted, “Hope you get better soon man. Love ya heaps man.”
Yasmine Godino penned, “He is a strong kid with a fighting spirit. His mates are hurting, as I am sure his family are more, Keep K in your prayers xx”.
Mr Slijderink’s Facebook and Instagram accounts are full of photos of him and his friends playing Skirmish, exploring bushland and hitting the gym.
The Forensic Crash Unit spent several hours on the weekend at the scene, on a service part of the arterial road, working to determine how the tragedy unfolded.
About six passengers and one male driver were on the bus when Mr Slijderink was hit. No one else was injured, but the driver was treated for shock and his passengers were transferred to another bus.
Police are appealing for anyone who may have witnessed the incident, or anyone with dash cam footage in the area to come forward.
ANYONE WITH INFORMATION IS URGED TO CONTACT NERANG POLICE OR POLICELINK ON 131 444.