FRESNO, Calif. (KMPH) -
Most people wouldn't survive after being hit by a fast-moving train. But one 17-year-old Fresno girl has a story to tell.
"I was scared to death. I thought basically I was dead. I woke up and I felt blessed, like an angel," said Jessica Rhynes.
She is lucky to be alive.
She was walking on the train tracks in Central Fresno Tuesday afternoon, when she was hit.
"I just remember I was walking on the train tracks, listening to my friend's MP3. I had it all the way up. I used to walk on the train tracks all the time, never really thinking I'm going to get hit," said Rhynes.
Police say the train blew its horn as it got closer to her but Jessica had her earphones on.
"I didn't see it or hear it. I don't even remember feeling it hit me. I didn't even know what happened until I woke up and saw a puddle of blood next to me," said Rhynes.
Her pelvis and both shoulders are broken.
She has two fractured vertebrae, a huge gash to her head, and cuts to her liver and kidney.
"I should have paid attention more. And I accept that. I'm just really glad I was able to make it," said Rhynes.
Her mother says the fact that she's already breathing on her own and talking is nothing short of a miracle.
Jessica is staying positive, determined to make a full recovery, and not waste her new lease on life.
"Guys and girls, no matter how young or old you are, please be very careful, if you're going to walk on the tracks...at least walk in the dirt, not on the tracks, because one day it could happen to you, and it doesn't feel good at all," said Rhynes.
