Thomas ‘TJ’ Campagna, from Jerrabomberra, was travelling with his mother, Alanna Davis, and a family friend on the Kings Highway on Tuesday afternoon when a car crossed onto the wrong side of the road colliding with two vehicles.

Five people, including TJ and his mother, were transported to Canberra Hospital for treatment.

Ms Davis said her son underwent surgery on Tuesday night and was kept sedated until Wednesday morning when he woke up and was able to communicate with his family. TJ is expected to remain in ICU for several days at least.

“I’d particularly like to thank all the firemen, paramedics, police, nurses, doctors and surgeons for  all they have done for our family,” Ms Davis said.

“It’s a debt that can never be repaid. Also thanks to all the people who stopped [on the road] to help.”

TJ is a keen rugby union and league player. Ms Davis said TJ would be particularly upset that he won’t be able to start the season with his teammates while he recovers.

She asked for the Canberra and Queanbeyan community to show support for her son by wearing their favourite league or union jerseys on Friday and posting an image to social media with the hashtag #Footy4TJ.

A Batemans Bay woman has been charged with dangerous driving following the crash and will face Queanbeyan Local Court on Wednesday afternoon.

A police statement said two other people from the crash remained in a serious condition in Canberra Hospital.

The crash closed both lanes of the Kings Highway on Tuesday, between the Shoalhaven River and Larbert Road, affecting traffic for hours.