Michael Pretorius (21), one of the two brothers who were involved in a collision next to the Ecopark between Vaalpark and Sasolburg on Wednesday evening, June 28, is still in a serious but stable condition in the Pelonomi Hospital in Bloemfontein. Michael’s brother, Nicky (22), died of his injuries a day after the tragic accident.

The boys’ father, Mr. Nicky Pretorius senior, is himself a trained paramedic who reports to Drs. Johan Fritz, Helmut Loest and Chris Erasmus’ rooms in Sasolburg until the practice was closed last year with their retirement.

Father Nicky gives daily feedback on Michael’s medical condition, which has been on a see-saw for the past week. This past Saturday there was great concern when Michael’s fever and infection count suddenly skyrocketed. By Sunday and Monday, his condition had started to stabilize again, but Nicky let it be known this morning, Tuesday 11 July, that things are not going well at the moment.

Michael’s infection count is still very high and his antibiotics are now being adjusted to counter it. Michael’s surgery on his broken legs, which was due to take place tomorrow, has been temporarily postponed so that the infection can be brought under control. It was also decided not to take him off the ventilator today. He is still being sedated to keep him calm, and according to Father Nicky he will soon have a tracheotomy (a hole in his throat for the tubes).

It was feared last week that one of his feet might have to be amputated due to insufficient blood flow, but the color of his legs and feet currently looks good.

“Michael is still under sedation but he is aware of us when his mother and I are with him. While he was slightly more awake, I asked him if he could remember the accident. He can definitely remember something about it and got very emotional. We haven’t told him that his little brother has passed away, but we think he’s feeling it. We will only tell him when he is off the ventilator and when the doctors say he is ready for it,” says Father Nicky.

“His condition is currently stable but he is still very serious. There is a very long recovery road ahead. Please pray for our child.”

Watch the video: Michael reacts as his father talks to him:

*Video: Supplied