A Christchurch 5 year old has been described as a miracle after surviving a frightening crash on Ferry Road when a car pulled out of a driveway, hit him, and dragged him underneath the vehicle.

Niko Cooke was riding his scooter to school on Tuesday when the incident happened. He was initially described as being in a serious condition, sparking fears for his life.

But when Chris Lynch Media visited the young boy and his family at home, he was back playing with toys, pulling faces, and behaving like any typical 5 year old.

His auntie Rebecca Cooke said Niko’s recovery had been remarkable. “He’s walking he’s walking he’s laughing he’s playing he’s not even sore,” she said.

Rebecca had been supporting the family while Niko’s mum travelled to Australia to visit her father for his 70th birthday.

Rebecca said she feared the worst in the moments after the crash. “I thought he was dead quite honestly and it was like when he was on my lap I was like he’s mine …. oh he’s alive,” she said.

She said the emotional toll had been significant, admitting she had little sleep since the crash but was overwhelmed by the kindness of strangers.

“I’ve had so many messages on my phone by people I do not know they asked if I was okay and how Niko was,” she said.

The support extended beyond messages, with members of the public dropping off new scooters for Nico at school, meaning when he returns to the classroom the smiles seen at home are likely to continue.