NEW ORLEANS — Nearly a week after a multi-car pile-up on the Causeway Bridge, Summer Rodrigue is still recovering after suffering major injuries.
The cries heard in a video describe the agony Rodrigue endured in what officials call the worst crash in the Causeway’s history.
Rodrigue provided a video to WDSU showing the moments emergency responders pulled her from a car following the pile-up.
“It’s very emotional. I don’t even typically take the causeway every day. I just so happen to have an appointment in Metairie that morning,” Rodrigue said.
Last week, Rodrigue was driving on the bridge when heavy fog made visibility nearly impossible.
A total of 50 vehicles were involved in six different crashes and Causeway officials said more than a dozen people were taken to the hospital.
“I lost vision momentarily, and so I just threw my hand up out of the window and was just waving for help,” Rodrigue said.
She told WDSU she has a broken sternum, a shattered heel and had surgery on her knee.
“The tendon that attaches to the bottom of the knee cap actually detached, and when it detached, it pulled a piece of the knee cap bone with it,” Rodrigue said.
Those physical injuries have also taken a mental toll on her.
“Being able to not have control over my own body and not being able to things is definitely really, really getting to me,” Rodrigue said.
The unexpected crash totaled her car and at a time of joy and holiday cheer, Rodrigue is worried about the expense of a new car and medical bills.
“I do have a GoFundMe to help offset the cost of long-term care,” Rodrigue said.
She said there’s been an outpouring of support from her family, complete strangers, and although the accident was something she never saw coming, she’s thankful to be alive.
“It’s really heartwarming, it really is, and I’m blessed. I truly am,” Rodrigue said.