In a bizarre incident in Blaxland, Angelie Valerio was preparing dinner when a car landed upside down in her home. Valerio described her shock, stating, “I was just staring off, trying to take everything like… did this just happen to me”, as she recounted the moment her life was nearly turned upside down.
Reflecting on the event, the aged care worker revealed that a split-second decision may have spared her from harm. Moments before the crash, she contemplated leaving the kitchen to ensure her door was locked but hesitated, prioritising her cooking. “I thought I can’t leave the food, I don’t want to risk burning it,” she said, unaware that this decision would prove fortuitous as disaster struck.
According to Fire and Rescue NSW Superintendent Adam Dewberry, the lack of serious injuries is nothing short of miraculous. Thanks to an off-duty nurse who was present at the scene, immediate assistance was provided to the driver trapped in the car upon impact.
The driver, a man in his 60s, was rescued and taken to Nepean Hospital for treatment of minor injuries. He received an infringement notice for negligent driving, although no charges have yet been laid, with investigations by NSW Police ongoing.
Ultimately, Valerio’s decision to remain in the kitchen resulted in her escape from a potentially life-threatening situation, transforming what could have been a tragic incident into a story of luck and survival.