An electrical fault caused a fire that destroyed a Benalla teenager's car on Wednesday, August 13.
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A local teenager is recovering after a serious accident left him without the car he worked hard to purchase just six weeks earlier.
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His mother, Jess Calingao, said Leo had spent months saving to buy the vehicle, which he had only recently finished repairing to make it road-ready.
“He worked so hard for this car. It was his pride and joy,” Jess said.
The fire not only destroyed the car, but also wiped out his investment, leaving him with no transportation and no money to replace it.
Leo, who had only recently bought his first car, acted quickly to ensure no-one was in danger after it caught fire earlier this month.
Jess now faces the challenge of finding a way to help him afford another vehicle.
Despite the heartbreak, his family is grateful that he walked away from the accident.
“Cars can be replaced. My son cannot,” Jess said.
“We are just thankful he survived.”
Leo was quick to act, jumping out of the burning car and calling 000.
He then alerted oncoming traffic and warned local residents, before called Jess to let her know he was okay.
“The family hopes that by sharing this story, others will appreciate the determination and resilience of young people working toward their goals — even when life takes an unexpected turn,” Jess said.
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