Woman Faces Potential Amputation After Surviving Six-Day Ordeal Trapped in Car

In a harrowing incident in Indiana, a 41-year-old woman named Brieonna Cassell endured a grueling six days trapped inside her wrecked car. According to authorities, Cassell likely fell asleep while driving near Brook, Indiana, drifting off a rural roadway some 80 miles south of Chicago and crashing her black 2008 Ford Taurus into a large, deep ditch that was not visible to passing traffic.

The impact trapped Cassell inside her vehicle, leaving her immobilized due to severe injuries. She suffered serious compound fractures and developed infections in both legs, in addition to another compound fracture in one wrist. Despite her critical condition, Cassell pooled remarkable resourcefulness to survive. She managed to shift her car into neutral and allowed it to roll further down the embankment until she reached muddy water in the ditch. Using an arm to push her cardigan outside, she absorbed the water and then sucked the moisture from her clothing, effectively preventing dehydration during this desperate period.

During her time trapped, Brieonna desperately called out for help. Her father, Delmar Caldwell, described her agony and said that although his daughter could hear passing cars, none of the drivers could see or hear her.

Ultimately, her ordeal ended when Johnny Martinez, an equipment operator, noticed her wrecked car and informed his supervisor, who was conveniently the volunteer fire chief of the nearby town. The two men investigated further and found Cassell conscious and responsive, immediately calling emergency services. First responders administered initial medical attention before airlifting her via helicopter to Advocate Christ Medical Center in Oak Lawn, Illinois.

At the hospital, Cassell underwent surgery and is receiving ongoing treatment for the infections and fractures. However, medical professionals remain uncertain about the outlook of her injured legs. They warned that if the infections do not heal adequately, amputation might be required.

Cassell, who does not possess health insurance, now carries a heavy financial burden due to medical expenses. To alleviate this pressure, her family has created a GoFundMe campaign and has thus far raised $13,000 toward a $25,000 goal. Brieonna's daughter, Lexie, expressed the family's hope and gratitude for the support they have received during this difficult time.