Boy's condition improves after van accident

The 13-year-old boy who was crushed against a wall when his father's idle van rolled onto him on Thursday evening is no longer critical and his condition is slowly improving.

The incident happened when the teenager went to a service station in Tal-Balal, Naxxar, at about 3 p.m.

Father and son stepped out of the van and the boy at one point leaned into the van to turn the ignition key and be able to operate a mechanical feature of the van, sources said.

Since the van was in gear, it slammed forward, crushing the boy against the wall.

He was rushed to hospital where it turned out he suffered extensive fractures, especially to his pelvis. He was initially certified to be critical. Since then, his condition has improved, the police said.