A father had to fight for his life after suffering a terrible work accident at a construction site.
John Paselio was rushed to the intensive care unit at Gold Coast University Hospital on Monday night, where he was placed in an induced coma.
His colleague Diane Graham explained that the father of three had been working moments earlier when a metal object “popped” and crashed into his head.
Ms Graham said she “couldn’t believe” the news of Mr Paselio’s injury after being informed the following morning on Tuesday.
“You hear stories about things but you never expect them to happen so close to home, to one of our own staff,” he told Daily Mail Australia.
“It was very, very shocking.”
Ms Graham said her co-worker was “a very calm, family-oriented guy” who did his job well and was well-liked by his colleagues.
Security officers had been on scene to contact emergency services for Mr Paselio, while support has since been provided to his colleagues.
Construction worker John Paselio (pictured with his wife) was placed in an induced coma after a horrific accident at his workplace on Monday night.
The father-of-three was rushed to Gold Coast University Hospital where he remains (pictured) after a piece of metal “rose up” and crashed into his head.
The construction worker’s wife shared an update on social media Thursday, saying Paselio is “a fighter and I know he will appreciate the support everyone is showing me right now.”
“Right now we’re just waiting for John to wake up. I’ll keep you updated as much as I can, but please be patient as I’m just taking it day by day with John’s condition,” she wrote.
Ms. Graham has since launched a GoFundMe to support Mr. Paselio’s family as doctors wait for him to wake up from a coma to assess whether there is any permanent damage.
“The outpouring of love and support that everyone has shown him has been incredible,” she said.
“And his wife is completely amazed by the messages of love and support she is receiving.”
He added that relatives had flown in to support Mr Paselio’s wife and look after his children while she remains by his side in hospital.