DOWNEY, CA – A woman survived an unexpected accident in Downey when a metal rod shot up from underneath her car and pierced the driver’s seat while she was driving on the 57 Freeway near Brea.
Jessica Preciado, a nurse, described the physical pain as bearable, but the trauma of this strange accident will be hard to forget. “I was in the third lane of the freeway when I heard a loud pop. I felt intense pressure and sharp pain,” she recalled.
The incident occurred while she was taking her 15-year-old son to school. The metal rod also pierced her left glute. Realizing the severity of her injury, Preciado pulled over to the shoulder and called 911, leaving paramedics surprised by the unusual nature of the accident.
After a successful surgery, she was discharged the same night with medication. “It was a miracle the rod didn’t hit further to the right or damage my spine. I’ll still be able to drive, hike, and exercise,” she said.
The California Highway Patrol (CHP) said the origin of the rod is unknown, though road debris is not entirely uncommon. “Debris can fall from other vehicles or overpasses, from anywhere,” explained Alec Pereyda of the CHP.
Despite the scare, Preciado remains positive, saying this unexpected incident will help her become a better nurse for her post-operative patients.
