SARASOTA, Fla. \u2014 A Florida woman survived a rollover crash after hitting a nearly 9-foot alligator in Sarasota County.<\/p>\n
The crash happened before sunrise on Easter Sunday, around 6 a.m.<\/p>\n
Maslin Kurtz of Manatee County was traveling on Fruitville Road and Cowpen Lane in a rural part of Sarasota County.<\/p>\n
WATCH BELOW: Florida woman describes crash after hitting 9-foot gator<\/p>\n
Florida woman survives rollover crash after hitting 9-foot gator<\/p>\n
“I thought I hit something and blew a tire just because it ripped my car off the road,” Kurtz told E.W. Scripps station WFTS.<\/p>\n
Her Toyota 4Runner crashed into a pole.<\/p>\n
“I was just praying that somebody would see me. Obviously, I saw lights go by, so I thought I was behind a bush or something. I didn’t know where I ended up,” she said.<\/p>\n
She said a couple had spotted her SUV, which had crashed into the pole. They called 911 for help.<\/p>\n
“I was crushed between the roof and the steering wheel,” said Kurtz.<\/p>\n
Kurtz was hospitalized at Sarasota Memorial Hospital for four days. She spent two of those days in an intensive care unit.<\/p>\n
“I had a few fractures in my spine. My sternum is fractured and then my left scapula, the shoulder blade,” she said.<\/p>\n
She said she feels fortunate she survived the crash. She must wear a brace for four to six weeks, followed by physical therapy.<\/p>\n
She’s expected to make a full recovery.<\/p>\n
“I’m just grateful that I’m here and I give all the glory to God,” said Kurtz.<\/p>\n
Kurtz said the alligator did not survive, and deputies helped remove the gator from the roadway.<\/p>\n