By Keitha Nelson
WAFB
BRUSLY, La. — A woman underwent her second surgery Tuesday evening after a frightening ambulance ride Monday morning in which the emergency vehicle the mother-to-be was riding in slammed into the back of a sugar cane truck, leaving her possibly paralyzed.
Whitley Lacey, 21, of Plaquemine is now the proud mother of two girls, but remains hospitalized. She was rushed to a hospital and doctors reportedly performed an emergency c-section to deliver the baby. Her daughter was born 3 pounds, one-and-a-half ounces.
Relatives said Lacey has broken ribs, a head injury, a broken back and could be paralyzed. The Louisiana State Police said the driver of the ambulance, Michael Avarette of Addis, carelessly drove into the back of the cane truck on LA 1 in Brusly. Troopers reported the 29-year-old had on his seat belt and walked away from the accident without being hurt.
When Whitley Lacey woke up with severe stomach pains, she was not sure what to expect. She was 7 months pregnant with her second child, so her family members called for an ambulance. George Davis said he’s still puzzled by the news of what happened to his daughter-in law as she was being taken to the hospital.
“She was in the back of the ambulance, but she was tossed around back there,” Davis said. “It shouldn’t have happened. It shouldn’t have happened.”
Latoyia Lacey, the victim’s sister, said she now wonders how Whitley will be able to not only take care of newborn, but her 3-year-old as well. Latoyia added doctors told the family her sister will likely never be able to walk again.
“I cry every time I’m by myself,” she admitted.
Julie Mahfouz with Acadian Ambulance stated the crash is being investigated by the company, but she cannot comment on it at this time. Troopers ticketed the ambulance driver for careless operation.
Republished with permission from WAFB