‘She is a fighter’: Beloved business owner fighting for her life after ‘freak’ car crash on busy highway

MESA (KPHO/Gray News) – A 26-year-old woman in Arizona is fighting for her life after being involved in a ‘freak’ car crash on a busy highway.

Family members said Victoria Cardenas owns a ceramics shop called Tor’s Mudslinger.

It’s a business her mother, Amber, said her daughter is very passionate about.

“She’s a fighter,” said Victoria’s mother. “I know, I have faith that she’s going to come back. I know my baby is going to be OK, I know it.”

Cardenas was driving eastbound along U.S. 60 when an older pick-up truck carrying a flatbed full of long metal pipes crashed into her, authorities said.

Amber said her daughter had to be pried out of her vehicle.

“It’s a miracle she’s alive,” said Amber. “She was trapped underneath there. There isn’t much of her car left.”

The truck reportedly lost control, jackknifed, and then swerved across the median into oncoming traffic, slamming into Cardena’s car.

She was rushed to the hospital with multiple skull fractures and broken bones.

She is currently in a coma.

“I just try and keep her calm because I know it is scary,’ said Amber. ” I know she hears me, when she hears my voice, I just say mommy is here, you are in hospital and you are going to get better, don’t be scared, I am here.”

Friends have set up a GoFundMe page to help Victoria while she’s in the hospital.

Everyone is hoping and praying that she will recover.

According to the Arizona Department of Public Safety, the driver of the truck has been cited for failing to control his vehicle to avoid a collision and not wearing a seatbelt.

There could be additional charges.

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