PIKE COUNTY, Ind. — An 8-year-old Indiana Girl Scout turned into an unexpected rescuer after a terrifying head-on collision left multiple people dead and several children injured.
Amelia Freeland had spent the day on a Girl Scout trip to a local amusement park before getting into a vehicle with a family friend and three other children on Aug. 29.
The group was traveling along State Road 64 at around 8 p.m. Saturday when their vehicle was involved in a devastating collision.
Amelia’s mother, Tasha Freeland, said she learned about the crash roughly 40 to 45 minutes after it happened.
The vehicle Amelia was riding in was being driven by Amanda Wertman, 41, when it was struck head-on by another vehicle that Indiana State Police said had been fleeing from Pike County sheriff’s deputies.
The impact changed the lives of everyone involved.
Three People Die After Head-On Collision
Amanda Wertman and the driver of the other vehicle, whose identity had not been publicly released, died at the scene, according to local reports.
Wertman’s 8-year-old daughter, Michaela, was also critically injured and later died. Another child, Oaklie Disney, 8, remained hospitalized with severe injuries.
Amelia was also injured, but her actions immediately following the collision helped another young passenger escape from the wreckage. According to her mother, Amelia later described the terrifying moments after the crash.
“She unbuckled her seat belt and got out,” Tasha said.
But Amelia did not simply move away from the wreck. Instead, she turned her attention toward the other children who were still inside.
Eight-Year-Old Helps Rescue 5-Year-Old
The force of the collision caused the vehicle Amelia was traveling in to flip upside down. Amelia told her family that she saw the other vehicle on fire after the crash.
Despite being just 8 years old and having suffered injuries herself, she began helping the other children.
“She unbuckled her seat belt and got out. Then she went and helped the other kids unbuckle their seat belts,” Tasha told News 14.
Amelia was able to help 5-year-old Theodore Wertman out of the vehicle. The two children then waited beside the roadway until authorities arrived.
For Amelia’s family, the fact that she was able to remain focused enough to help another child during such a frightening situation has been remarkable.
Her mother said the young Girl Scout’s actions came while she herself was dealing with injuries from the crash.
Amelia Recovering From Her Injuries
Amelia has since been released from the hospital and is recovering at home. Her injuries include compressed fractures in her neck, according to her mother.
“They told me it’ll be about four to six weeks before they should be healing,” Tasha said while speaking to 16 News Now.
Amelia also suffered a significant bruise around her hip and the right side of her pelvic area.
“She’s got a pretty nasty bruise on her hip and her pelvic area on the right side,” Tasha said.
The 8-year-old has reportedly experienced pain while walking and has been adjusting how she walks to remain comfortable during her recovery.
Her family is now focused on giving her time to heal after the traumatic experience.
Family Grateful for Community Support
While Amelia continues recovering, her mother said the family has been overwhelmed by the support they have received from people in their community.
The crash has affected multiple families, leaving some grieving loved ones while others remain focused on the recovery of seriously injured survivors. Tasha said she is praying for everyone affected by the tragedy.
The investigation into the circumstances surrounding the collision remains ongoing, including the events involving the vehicle that was reportedly fleeing from law enforcement before the crash.
For Amelia’s family, however, the night will forever be remembered not only for the tragedy but also for the courage shown by an 8-year-old who, after escaping a wreck herself, stopped to help another child get out safely.
Her quick actions have drawn attention to the remarkable response of a young child confronted with an unimaginable emergency.
What do you think about Amelia’s brave actions after the crash? Share your thoughts and send your best wishes to all the families affected in the comments below.