'Truly grateful': Regina boy injured in crash with alleged impaired driver regains consciousness
Benjamin Dufour, the seven-year-old boy who was gravely injured after being hit by a truck in Regina last month, has shown positive signs of recovery, according to a news release from his family.
“Ben has regained consciousness, can breathe on his own, and has been able to communicate,” the Dufour family said. “He has started regaining his memory and is showing signs of his old personality.”
Dufour was airlifted to the Jim Pattison Children’s Hospital in Saskatoon after being stabilized in Regina after the crash.
Dufour was waiting for a school bus when a truck struck several vehicles before hitting him and crashing into a house, according to Regina police. The driver of the truck was charged with impaired driving and dangerous operation of a vehicle causing bodily harm.
Dufour’s numerous injuries included multiple broken bones, soft tissue damage to his C-spine, as well as a traumatic brain injury.
“We want to thank all the PICU staff for the exceptional care Ben received. We cannot thank you enough,” the family said in their statement.
Dufour has been moved out of the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU) and is now residing in the pediatric ward, undergoing physiotherapy.
“[Benjamin’s] physiotherapy indicates he has feeling and movement in his entire body,” the statement read. “Although we know this will still take some time, we are optimistic about his recovery.”
The Dufour family hopes to bring Benjamin home to Regina soon to continue his rehabilitation.
The Dufour’s ended their statement by thanking the Children’s Hospital for the care Benjamin received as well those who supported the family during the ordeal.
“The support we have received has been overwhelming. We are truly grateful.”
The online fundraiser established for Benjamin Dufour in the wake of the accident has now raised a total of $83,845 as of July 5, 2022.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
BREAKING Israel attacks Iran, Reuters sources say; drones reported over Isfahan
Israel has attacked Iran, three people familiar with the matter told Reuters, as Iranian state media reported early on Friday that its forces had destroyed drones, days after Iran launched a retaliatory drone strike on Israel.
American millionaire Jonathan Lehrer denied bail after being charged with killing Canadian couple
American millionaire Jonathan Lehrer, one of two men charged in the killings of a Canadian couple in Dominica, has been denied bail.
Nearly half of China's major cities are sinking, researchers say
Nearly half of China's major cities are suffering 'moderate to severe' levels of subsidence, putting millions at risk of flooding especially as sea levels rise.
Prince Harry formally confirms he is now a U.S. resident
Prince Harry, the son of King Charles III and fifth in line to the British throne, has formally confirmed he is now a U.S. resident.
Judge says 'no evidence fully supports' murder case against Umar Zameer as jury starts deliberations
The judge presiding over the trial of a man accused of fatally running over a Toronto police officer is telling jurors the possible verdicts they may reach based on the evidence in the case.
Health Canada to change sperm donor screening rules for men who have sex with men
Health Canada will change its longstanding policy restricting gay and bisexual men from donating to sperm banks in Canada, CTV News has learned. The federal health agency has adopted a revised directive removing the ban on gay, bisexual and other men who have sex with men, effective May 8.
Colin Jost names one celebrity who is great at hosting 'Saturday Night Live'
Colin Jost, who co-anchors Saturday Night Live's 'Weekend Update,' revealed who he thinks is one of the best hosts on the show.
Sports columnist apologizes for 'oafish' comments directed at Caitlin Clark. The controversy isn't over
A male columnist has apologized for a cringeworthy moment during former University of Iowa superstar and college basketball's highest scorer Caitlin Clark's first news conference as an Indiana Fever player.
'Shopaholic' author Sophie Kinsella reveals brain cancer diagnosis
Sophie Kinsella, the best-selling author behind the 'Shopaholic' book series, has revealed that she is receiving treatment for brain cancer.