‘I have no understanding:’ Jacksonville mom says fiery crash left her son severely injured

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — A Jacksonville teen is in critical condition after a fiery crash on Saturday night. The crash happened on Myrtle Avenue and Swan Street.

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Derlisa Laws never thought she would see her 15-year-old son fighting for his life.

“Nothing could have prepared me for when they actually allowed me to see my son,” Laws told Action News Jax.

She recalled a conversation she had with a nurse when she arrived at the hospital.

“They say the car caught on fire, is my baby burned? She said yes, Mrs. Laws, he is burnt,” said Laws.

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This is all after a crash on Saturday night when Tommy was one of three inside a car that was speeding on Myrtle Avenue. It went off the road and hit a tree, causing the car to burst into flames.

“My son was trapped in the backseat,” Laws said.

Derlisa said Tommy was airlifted to the hospital, and he suffered a traumatic brain injury, burns all across his body and is in a medically induced coma.

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According to the crash report, the driver is said to have “operated the motor vehicle in an erratic, reckless or aggressive manner.”

The car was traveling at an estimated speed of 90 mph.

Derlisa said this accident could of all been avoided.

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“Recklessness and speeding … I have no understanding,” said Laws. “I just need the strength, and I give them the strength, the support and the prayers. I need them to do the same for me,” Laws said.

Action News Jax does not know the condition of the other two who were in the car.

There is a GoFundMe set up for Tommy’s medical expenses.

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