Horrific Crocodile attack leaves child in critical condition after 'puncture wounds'
Australian saltwater crocodile in Kakadu National Park, Australia (stock image)
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A nine-year-old boy is in a critical condition following a crocodile attack at a national park in Australia.
The young boy was rushed to Royal Darwin Hospital after being bitten by the crocodile in Kakadu National Park on Saturday.
CareFlight NT said the patient was airlifted from Jabiru following the incident near Munmalary Homestead - located between the South Alligator and East Alligator Rivers, inside Kakadu.
The boy is said to be in a critical condition with a number of puncture wounds.
A nine-year-old boy is in a critical condition following a crocodile attack at a national park in Australia
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A CareFlight spokeswoman said: "The patient was transported to the Jabiru Community Health Centre, CareFlight's specialist doctor and flight nurse treated the patient at the Jabiru clinic.
"The patient was later airlifted … to [Royal] Darwin Hospital in a critical but stable condition."
CareFlight operates the Top End Medical Retrieval Service on behalf of the Northern Territory Government.
The child appeared to be OK, according to St John Ambulance emergency communications manager Craig Garraway.
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"Probably a lucky escape I would suggest," he told ABC.
There are approximately 10,000 crocodiles in the national park, which accounts for 10 per cent of all crocodiles in the territory, according to the park’s website.
The website says: "Remember that wherever there is water, there might be crocodiles.
"Be careful near rivers and billabongs and pay attention to croc warning signs."
CareFlight NT said the patient was airlifted from Jabiru following the incident near Munmalary Homestead - located between the South Alligator and East Alligator Rivers, inside Kakadu
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The incident reportedly took place at 9pm on Saturday.
A Parks Australia spokesperson confirmed that they had been notified of the incident in which a person was injured by a crocodile while swimming.
The spokesperson said: "The incident occurred in an area within Kakadu National Park that is not accessible to the general public."