Share and Follow
A tradesman has recounted his harrowing experience of road rage that escalated into a life-threatening axe attack following a minor collision.
Rico Nekelo feels fortunate to have survived the ordeal, although he now faces the daunting task of healing from both the psychological and physical wounds inflicted during the attack in Melbourne.
What was supposed to be a routine trip to visit a friend last month turned into a brush with death for Nekelo.
Reflecting on the terrifying incident, Nekelo shared with 9News, “At the scene, I was definitely dying. I was getting cold, and my eyes were starting to shut.”
READ MORE: Man on the run after allegedly stabbing two people in Melbourne
“On the scene I was definitely dying. I was getting cold and yeah, my eyes are starting to shut,” he told 9News.
The horror road rage attack unfolded after an erratic driver collided with Nekelo’s car in Cranbourne on April 6.
The 21-year-old said he copped an axe to the back, twice.
“I pretty much got out of the car, and he got out at the same time with an axe and Yeah, I just started running,” he said.
Rico Nekelo was on his way to see a mate last month but instead came close to death. Nine
READ MORE: Man hit twice by car during alleged wild brawl on Melbourne footpath
His injuries were so severe his surgeon said he was lucky to be alive.
His sister Charlotte Vemoa said it was a “very violent attack for something that was very minor”.
While Rekelo’s out of hospital, he’s still carrying the scars of the nightmare ordeal.
The horror road rage attack unfolded after an erratic driver collided with Nekelo’s car in Melbourne on April 6. Nine
“I would say it’s, it’s been very hard as an older sibling to watch,” Vemoa said.
His mother, Mate Carnahan, said it had been mentally hard for loved ones, who felt helpless and were desperate for support.
“So the victim assistance program. I’ve been trying to reach out to them since the hospital, so maybe five weeks now,” Nekelo said.
READ MORE: Israeli army captures strategic castle in Lebanon
Rico Nekelo’s mother, Mate Carnahan, said it had been mentally hard for loved ones, and his sister Charlotte Vemoa said it was a “very violent attack. Nine
His mother said the government was failing victims.
“He didn’t ask this to happen to him. They’re failing,” she said.
His alleged attacker was arrested at the scene but released pending further inquiries.
Meanwhile, Nekelo will be unable to work for months.
“It’s an everyday struggle,” he said.