NSW dad charged after crash as son clings to life

An eight-year-old boy is fighting for his life after his allegedly drink-driving father crashed their van into a pole.

The 39-year-old was driving his son home from soccer training when his van crashed at Kemps Creek in Sydney's west on Thursday night.

Police charged the father on Friday with mid-range drink driving and dangerous and negligent driving occasioning grievous bodily harm.

He received minor injuries while his son was airlifted to hospital with critical head trauma.

It is understood the father, of Erskine Park, recorded a 0.132 blood alcohol reading at the crash scene.

The father was released to be by his son's bedside at Westmead Children's Hospital on Friday.

He is due to face Penrith Local Court on May 13.

The child was in a critical but stable condition on Friday afternoon.