SARASOTA, Fla. (CBS12) — A Florida woman is recovering after a terrifying rollover crash allegedly caused by a nearly 9-foot alligator in the road.
25-year-old Maslin Kurtz told Tampa Bay 28 that her SUV flipped several times before slamming into a pole in a rural area of Sarasota County along Fruitville Road near Cowpen Lane before sunrise on Easter morning.
“I thought I hit something and blew a tire just because it ripped my car off of the road,” Kurtz told Tampa Bay 28.
She later learned she had struck and killed a large alligator. Kurtz noted that the violent crash left her trapped inside her Toyota 4Runner.
See also: Florida family targeted by AI scam during frantic search for missing dog Archer
“I just remember being stuck in my car, like I was crushed between the roof and the steering wheel,” she said. “I’m just kind of stuck there, not sure what happened.”
Eventually, a couple passing by stopped to help and called 911, eventually managing to pull Kurtz from the wreckage.
“I was just praying that somebody would see me,” Kurtz said.
Kurtz was transported to Sarasota Memorial Hospital, where she spent four days recovering, including two days in the intensive care unit. She suffered multiple severe injuries, including fractures to her spine, sternum and shoulder blade.
Despite the ordeal, Kurtz said she feels fortunate to be alive. Her home is now filled with balloons and cards, including a small stuffed alligator gifted by the couple who rescued her.
“They came to visit me a few days after I got out of the hospital, so I thought that was really sweet,” she said. “It was very emotional.”
Kurtz will need to wear a brace for four to six weeks and undergo physical therapy, but she is expected to make a full recovery.