A young boy was out with his sisters looking at Christmas lights when he was struck by an alleged drink driver near Brisbane on Christmas night, witnesses say.
The nine-year-old is in a critical condition in Lady Cilento Children's Hospital after he was hit about 7.20pm Sunday at Springwood.
Police say the driver, a 24-year-old man, failed to negotiate a turn off Jardine Street and hit a parked car before striking the boy who was walking nearby.
One witness described the scene as "carnage" after the car continued on through a hedge and hit a water tank before crashing into a house.
"The most important thing was to get to (the boy) quickly," the male witness told Channel Seven.
"Thank goodness there were two registered nurses who were at the immediate scene."
He said the boy was looking at Christmas lights with his sisters and the driver was a neighbour.
Another man who saw the crash described the car as "like a torpedo".
"It was just mayhem," he told Channel Nine.
"Just an almighty thud."
The driver was being questioned by detectives and was likely to be charged later on Monday.
Senior Sergeant Tony Jackson said it was a tragic reminder to consider safety on the roads.
"Especially being Christmas Day and as a result of celebrations going on, the emotions now felt by the family would be very disturbing," he told the ABC.
"Police would like to remind members of the public that at this time of year just remember fatigue, drink driving, seat belts, the use of mobile phones and just consider all safety in relation to the driving of streets within the suburban areas."
