Woman survives nearly one week of being trapped in crashed car with water absorbed in her jacket
A woman who got trapped in her crashed car for six days survived by sucking on water that was absorbed in her jacket.
According to the Newton County Sheriff’s Office, the 41-year-old woman named Brieonna Cassell was driving about one mile from the Newton County Landfill on Wednesday, March 6 before being reported missing.
Her father believes that she fell asleep while driving, which prompted the car to crash into a ditch that was not visible on the roadway.
“She was in excruciating pain. She was screaming out for help. She could hear cars going by, but they couldn't see her from the road,” her father, Delmar Caldwell, told ABC7 Chicago.
Cassell, a mom of three, was discovered conscious and speaking six days later by a passerby, who immediately contacted the local fire chief for rescue.
She was able to survive for days by drinking from her hoodie that she soaked in a nearby creek. “She would take her hoodie and toss it, like she’s fishing,” her father said. “And bring it back and suck on it to have water.”
Cassell sustained severe injuries to her legs, ribs, and wrist. She was airlifted to a Chicago hospital for treatment.
Per local outlet WTHR, Cassell is now in stable condition and has been scheduled for surgery due to concerns with the healing of her legs.
"She did what she could to survive," her mom Kim Brown told ABC Chicago. "I am so glad she was found alive, and I just can't wait to hug her and kiss her."
