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Woman suffering life-threatening injuries after crash goes unnoticed

TIPPECANOE COUNTY, Ind. (WISH) — A woman is fighting for her life after crashing her car overnight in Tippecanoe County.

Officers with Indiana State Police said 31-year-old Tanequa Long of Indianapolis has a strong will to live after the crash, which went unnoticed for several hours.

ISP said Long was traveling southbound on Interstate 65 between 2 a.m. and 4 a.m. when she allegedly fell asleep and drove into the center median.

The car then came to an embankment, went airborne, struck the opposite side of the embankment, then rolled under a bridge.

The vehicle was not visible from the interstate.

Tippecanoe Driver Saved

Just after 8 a.m., Long had climbed out of the windshield of the car and crawled up the 30 foot embankment with a possible broken ankle.

Long, also suffering from internal injuries, was able to wave down motorists near mile marker 164 on I-65 who were able to administer first aid until emergency personnel arrived.

Long was first taken to IU Health Arnett Hospital in Lafayette before being transferred to IU Health Methodist Hospital in Indianapolis.

ISP said Long’s injuries are life-threatening.

“It took a lot for me to climb that embankment without having a broken ankle and other injuries “stated Trooper Scott.  “She had a strong will to live to be able to endure the pain she was feeling.”

ISP said it does appear that Long was wearing a seatbelt.