Brave boy, 9, caught in deadly tornado ran mile in desperate bid to save injured parent's lives

A nine-year-old boy is this week being hailed as a hero for saving the lives of his parents in the midst of a deadly tornado.

Oklahoma schoolboy Brandon Baker activated both his fight and flight response when he and his parents were caught slap bang in the middle of the violent swirl of wind as it pummelled its way through the south central state on Wednesday.

Despite attempting to find shelter, the family soon found themselves face to face with the colossal, life-threatening storm which launched their car into a cluster of trees somewhere down their street and injured several of its residents, including Brandon's parents.

Instead of panicking, however - or breaking down in tears, as most children would - Brandon's calmly told his mother and family to stay low, and stay put.

Confused as to what he meant, the couple were subsequently horrified when their little boy suddenly freed himself of the mangled mess they called home, and broke into a sprint, informing them he'd find some help.

"Please don’t die, I will be back," he bravely told them, before setting off down the street.

The schoolboy was able to save his parents' lives. (CBS Texas)

Fearing they might never again lay eyes on their son, all Wayne and Lindy Baker - who had already sustained broken backs, necks and ribs as a result of the tornado - was hope.

Thankfully, however, within a matter of minutes, their son returned after running alone and in the dark for over a mile - crossing fragmented power lines and dangerous debris - with help from surrounding neighbours.

The youngster's uncle Johnny Baker later told CBS: "The only way he found his way back was with lightning strikes that lit the road.

"He ran as fast as he could, as hard as he could, he made a mile in 10 minutes. That’s pretty impressive for a little kid. The last thing Branson told them was, ‘Mom, dad, please don’t die, I will be back'."

Brandon's father Wayne - who'd also broken his sternum and arm and lost part of his finger - and mother Lindy - who'd sustained a broken jaw and right hand, as well as a punctured lung - had attempted to call the youngster's uncle when the storm hit, only for the phone line to be cut.

Wayne and Lindy Baker sustained severe injuries. (CBS Texas)

Thankfully, however, Johnny and his wife arrived on the scene at the same time that Brandon arrived home with his band of neighbours.

The rescue team were luckily able to recover the severely injured duo, who have since been recovering in the trauma ICU.

Since that fateful day, Brandon's baseball team - inspired by his efforts - have set up a fundraiser in the hope of donating money to the family to rebuild their home.

"Branson is small, but he is so mighty, he is a hero," the campaign's description reads.

"You think all the time that children are destined to do great things, but Branson has already started on his greatness."

If you'd like to donate to a GoFundMe set up to support Wayne, Lindy and their family, click here.