Survivor Speaks Out After Driver Causes Two Separate Crashes In Hialeah

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HIALEAH (CBSMiami) — A 23-Year-old woman who was hospitalized after a chain reaction involving two car crashes and at least 10 vehicles in Hialeah says she feels fortunate she escaped with just scrapes and bruises.

Dressed in her hospital gown and standing beside her mother, Yailen Sixto spoke with CBS4'S Peter D'Oench outside the Ryder Trauma Center at Jackson Memorial Hospital.

Fire Rescue said that's where she and the driver who caused the accident were transported by ground after the accident.

"I am bruised up but I am ok," said Sixto. "It's crazy that no one passed away because of this and mostly had scrapes and bruises."

She showed CBS4 her injuries.

"I was hurt in my arm and hip and have scratches here but that was from the seat belt I was wearing. Wear your seatbelt," she said. "I have no broken bones."

"I don't remember anything but I do remember paramedics standing there and saying let's go and let's get out of here," she said.

Hialeah Fire Rescue Captain David Rodriguez said it all started just before 8 a.m. at Okeechobee Road and S.E. 5th Avenue when one driver hit three other vehicles and then drove three blocks to S.E. 8th Ave. and struck at least six other vehicles.

"A total of 10 vehicles were involved in this accident," said Rodriguez. "It was very lucky that no one else was injured.

Sixto told D'Oench she was aware of the striking images from the scene including an SUV—-a Honda CRV—-that landed on top of vehicle and video of other cars with entire sections of them that were shredded from the impacts.

Sixto said she was on her way to get a passport.

"I was heading to the passport agency, not to work," she said.

Police said the driver who caused the accident had a "medical issue." It's not clear what that issue was.

Sixto responded to that saying, "I mean I get it. There are issues with everything you do in this life. But you have got to take your medication especially when you are going out with a child."

Sixto's mother Elena was emotional and grateful that her daughter escaped serious injury. This accident could have been deadly.

As she fought back tears, Elena Sixto said, "I am saying I thank God that nothing happened. Only material things were lost. I am so nervous and I thank God that she is doing good."

Her daughter was asked about her mother's response and she said, "That is sweet."

Fire Rescue originally believed that this was a hit-and-run accident but Hialeah Police Lt. Eddie Rodriguez said this was not a hit-and-run accident.

The driver who caused the accident has not been identified.

She could face a number of citations and charges.