Woman injured in crash survives for days before being rescued

WICKENBURG, Ariz. (KSAZ) - Authorities say a woman who lost control of her vehicle and fell 50 feet before crashing into a tree survived for six days before being rescued.

According to the Arizona Department of Public Safety, the 53-year-old woman was driving along the U.S. 60 near Wickenburg on October 12 when she lost control of her vehicle, went through a fence, and dropped 50 feet before landing in a tree where her vehicle remained suspended above the ground.

DPS says there were no witnesses to the crash and the woman wasn't found until October 18 when an Arizona Department of Transportation crew and rancher noticed the damaged fence and found the vehicle hanging in the tree.

DPS a trooper responded to the scene and searched the area but didn't find the woman. The trooper then discovered human tracks leading towards the Hassayampa River bed and found the injured and dehydrated woman.

The woman told the trooper she crashed her vehicle six days earlier and stayed inside the vehicle for several days before climbing out.

She walked towards railroad tracks in the area in hopes of being found, but she didn't make it to the tracks due to her condition.

The woman was airlifted to a Valley hospital.

"The diligence of the ADOT crew and teamwork of everyone involved is exemplary and to be commended. Due to their outstanding efforts, this woman's life was saved," DOS Director Col. Frank Milstead said.