BAYTOWN, Texas – A teenager is recovering at home and another is still in the hospital after the truck they were in was wedged underneath an 18-wheeler.
“It just happened so fast, all I really remembered is getting pried out of the truck with the Jaws of Life,” explained 18-year-old William Sims.
Sims is recovering at home with only cuts and bruises.
His friend who was in the passenger seat is currently in an induced coma because she has swelling in her brain, two broken arms and a broken leg.
The crash happened Monday night around 11 p.m. on Oakland St. near I-10 and Spur 330 also known as Decker Drive.
Sims said when he drove around the curve, he didn’t see the 18-wheeler and that’s when he slammed into it and was lodged underneath.
“I feel blessed to be alive, I know I should have lost my life,” said Sims. “Going back and looking at the photos of my truck, I know I should have at least lost my head.”
From looking at the pictures it would look as though no one survived because the top of Sim’s truck was ripped off. Both people inside the truck had to be lifeflighted to the hospital.
“As soon as I woke up I just started praying, I was like, I do not want to be preaching a funeral,” explained Pastor John Bernardini II from The Sanctuary Church. “When I saw the pictures I was thinking, ‘God is good,’ definitely a miracle because I don’t see how he lived through it.”
He said Sims is a member of his church and he’s been working with the teen when it comes to turning his life around and helping him out.
“I went up to his bedside and he said, ‘Pastor I should be decapitated right now,’ and he said, ‘God is protecting me,’ and I told him I agree with him,” explained Bernardini.
While Sims was in the hospital he found out that his family’s home had been burglarized and someone stole TVs, video game consoles and money.
“Just like the enemy, he’s always trying to attack, but William’s been encouraged through the whole thing, he’s going to do great, he’s going to be fine,” said Bernardini.
“It was horrific and I’m just thankful to be alive, I’m thankful for my pastor being here for me, my family and all my supporters,” said Sims.
The church has set up a GoFundMe page for Sims.