Sydney fashion entrepreneur Caroline Breure seriously injured after being hit by police car in Spain
A Sydney fashion entrepreneur has suffered brain injuries after being hit by a police car while on holiday in Spain.
Caroline Breure, 33, was seriously hurt in the accident last month, while on holiday with her partner, Johan.
Doctors say it's too early to say how severe Caroline's brain injuries are, and she remains in a coma. Supplied
Originally from Brazil but living in Sydney for five years, she runs animal-friendly sneaker brand, No Saints.
After the accident, which happened on one of the city's main streets, she was rushed to Barcelona's Hospital del Mar and has undergone surgery including to relieve the swelling on her brain.
Caroline, who is from Brazil but lives in Sydney, had been on holiday in Europe with partner, Johan. Supplied
However, doctors say it's too early to say how severe her brain injuries are, and she remains in a coma. She has started making small responses to her family.
Travel insurance is expected to cover her medical costs.
A police investigation is underway into the crash, which Spanish press report happened at a pedestrian crossing on the Via Laietana in the Ciutat Vella – or old city- area at 10.30am that morning.
The police car is reported to have its emergency lights on, but no sirens. It was heading to reports of a fight.
The couple, who live in Sydney's Eastern Suburbs, were just days away from returning home after a three-week trip which took in Croatia, Hungary, the UK and Spain, when the accident happened on September 9.
Caroline Breure runs Vegan sneaker brand No Saints in Sydney. Nine
Caroline's mother, Juceli, has flown from Brazil to be by her side, and an online fundraising page has been set up to help pay costs including for her, as she had to leave her dental practice to be with her daughter.
Caroline Breure moved to Sydney five years ago, but is now in hospital in Barcelona after the accident. Supplied
The page says Caroline, is an "extremely loved and passionate Sydney-sider who has dedicated her career to making the world a better place."
It adds: "In a freak accident in September 2019, while on holiday in Barcelona, Caroline was hit by a police car while crossing the road at a pedestrian crossing.
"Caroline sustained severe brain injuries and has been in a coma since the terrible accident.
"She has since undergone a number of cranial operations, including the removal of part of her skull to reduce the swelling, and has now started her long road to recovery with the loving support of her mother, Juceli and partner Johan, who have been by her side since the accident.
"Caroline's recovery will be long and difficult, and will be costly to her family and loved ones."
Contact journalist Sarah Swain: Sswain@nine.com.au
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