BUTTE, Mont.—A 7-year-old Montana boy is recovering from surgery after a pine tree branch penetrated 6 inches into his body during a New Year's Eve sledding accident.

The Montana Standard reports A.J. Wagner, of Billings, hit a small tree and a 1-inch-diameter branch penetrated his left buttock. His mother, Victoria Wagner, says the branch reached his abdomen and A.J. suffered bruises to his intestines and stomach.

Victoria Wagner says A.J. underwent two hours of surgery Friday to remove the branch. No vital organs were punctured, and A.J. was released from intensive care Monday. He should be out of the hospital in a few days.

Victoria Wagner says as she and her son waited for the ambulance, A.J. wanted her to go to the car to get her camera so he could see what all the fuss was about.

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Information from: The Montana Standard, http://www.mtstandard.com

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