Dejon Simmons could not believe his eyes when he stepped out of the arrivals gate at the Bermuda International Airport yesterday. More than 60 people gathered to give the brave young man a hero?s welcome.

Dejon spent nearly two weeks abroad undergoing surgeries as part of his ongoing recovery from a traffic accident on July 24, 2004.

The 17-year-old?s life was forever changed by a ?wrong decision?, he said. He was involved in a bike accident when his bike caught fire and engulfed him. He received third degree burns to 97 percent of his body.

Initially he was not expected to live. He was rushed off the Island to the Boston Shriners Hospital, a paediatric hospital for severe burn victims.

Dejon spent over a year in hospital, including six months in an induced-coma.

Recently a documentary about Dejon?s accident and recovery aired on local TV, serving as a warning to other youngsters to be careful on the road.

Support for Dejon has been overwhelming with members of the Government and Opposition praising him. Members of the public have also written letters to the editor and called local radio shows to offer their support.

He was unaware that people were waiting for him at the Airport solely for the purpose of showing him their support and love. His mother, Flo Simmons, organised the welcome-home party.

?I was very surprised, I wasn?t expecting this,? Dejon said. ?I am really happy to be back in Bermuda, this will be my first Christmas on the Island since the accident.?

Dejon was clearly overwhelmed and surprised with the amount of people who showed up and he talked and posed for photos with a number of his well-wishers.

Second and third graders from Victor Scott Primary came to the Airport to welcome Dejon home. They crowded around the Berkeley Institute student as if he was a sports hero and asked him many questions.

One student told Dejon he watched the documentary while another said ?I hope you have a great Christmas, Dejon?. The students crowded around him and posed for pictures before they were taken back to school. As they left the Airport parking lot they hung out of car windows and yelled ?Bye Dejon!?.

His father, Raphael Simmons, said the medical procedures went well and that doctors were pleased with the outcome. He said Dejon was not in pain. He was also surprised as his son when he arrived back in Bermuda and saw people waiting for them. ?I am continually thankful for the people of Bermuda for everything they have done for us,? he said.

Dejon told he was pleased with the documentary, especially the feedback he has received from it.

He said he was happy and amazed with the number of letters and support he has received from the community. ?It?s great how many people saw it and were inspired by it,? he said. ?I am glad I got the chance, it was exactly what I wanted to do.?