THE family of a teenager stabbed in the neck when a firm’s Christmas party turned to horror said last night he had made a “miracle” recovery.
Gino Del Testa was left with life-threatening injuries after an incident outside the premises of one of Aberdeenshire’s best-known companies.
One of his workmates, a Polish father of one, ran to his aid – and was knocked down and killed by a passing car.
Police said a 20-year-old man was due to appear in court today in connection with the alleged attack on Mr Del Testa.
Doctors at Aberdeen Royal Infirmary told his family he probably would not have survived if the wound had been just one millimetre deeper.
The 19-year-old’s father, Steven, said yesterday: “He has been very, very lucky.
“He’s doing really well. A lot of people didn’t think he was going to make it, but he’s obviously made of sterner stuff.”
He said his son was being moved out of the hospital’s intensive-care unit and could even be home for Christmas Day. Mum Wendy Del Testa said her son had been heartbroken when he found out his colleague, named locally as Sebastian, had been killed while trying to help him.
She added: “No parent should go through what we did.”
Yesterday, friends posted a picture online of Mr Del Testa in hospital, giving the thumbs-up.
Friday night’s incident happened outside the premises of Fraserburgh-based refrigerated-trailer and motor bodybuilding specialist Gray and Adams.
Last night, in a statement issued by the company, directors Peter and James Gray said: “The management and staff of Gray and Adams are extremely saddened following the tragic accident which occurred in Fraserburgh on Friday evening.
“Everyone at Gray and Adams has been left completely shocked by the incident, especially at this time of year.” They added: “The company management are now working with the authorities to establish the full circumstance of this sad accident.
“They are also providing support to all families and staff directly involved in the incident.”
Friends of the Polish worker, who has not been named by police, left flowers at the roadside over the weekend.
One message from a local couple said: “It was a pleasure knowing you.
“You may be gone, but certainly not forgotten.”
The tragedy happened just after 6pm in Maconochie Road, Fraserburgh.
Mr Del Testa was walking with a large group of workmates at the time. Earlier that afternoon, they had enjoyed a Christmas party in the Gray and Adams canteen.
Last night, a police spokesman appealed to witnesses to come forward.
He said that the Polish worker had been struck by a silver Mercedes just moments after the assault.
The female driver was uninjured.
“The fatal road collision is being treated as a linked but separate incident to the assault,” he said.
“We would particularly like to speak with the driver of a light-coloured car who spoke with the deceased prior to the incident.”
Anyone with information has been urged to contact police on 101, or Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.