A woman from Georgia found herself in a harrowing situation while driving alone when she became distracted by a nearby accident on the opposite side of the road. In a shocking turn of events, her vehicle ended up airborne, creating a dramatic scene that was later captured on police body camera footage.
The incident occurred as first responders were attending to a car crash. The woman’s vehicle unexpectedly collided with a tow truck ramp, propelling her car an astonishing 120 feet into the air before it eventually crashed back down to the ground.
Tanaijsha Bruton, the driver in question, explained that she had become engrossed in the accident on the opposite side of the highway and failed to notice the tow truck directly in front of her until it was too late. In a desperate attempt to stop, she slammed on the brakes, but it proved futile as she hurtled into the air. During the airborne ordeal, she struck her head against the steering wheel, causing her to lose consciousness.
Bruton, a 21-year-old mother of two, endured severe injuries in the accident, including a broken neck and lacerated spleen and liver. Throughout her recovery, her husband and children have remained by her side, offering support and care.
The incident generated significant discussion on social media, with some individuals criticizing Bruton for “rubbernecking” or becoming overly interested in the adjacent accident.
However, Bruton’s attorney, Matt Foster, emphasized that an ongoing investigation was underway. He pointed out that, based on the police report and video evidence, the tow truck involved in the initial crash had been positioned directly in the middle of the fast lane, making it a critical factor in the subsequent collision.
Bruton expressed her gratitude at being reunited with the first responders at South Georgia Medical Center, highlighting the critical role they played in her rescue and treatment. Meanwhile, the tow truck company declined to comment on allegations that they might bear some responsibility for the incident.
Studies have shown that rubbernecking, or the act of drivers slowing down or becoming distracted by accidents or incidents on the road, can be a significant factor in a substantial number of car accidents, potentially accounting for as much as one-fifth of all such incidents.