Tennessee couple recovering after serious accident in Etowah County

ETOWAH COUNTY, Ala. (WBRC) – A Tennessee man is in serious condition after a serious crash in Etowah County.

Last Friday, Malia Duarte and her fiancé Austin Bowman traveled from Tennessee to Cropwell, Alabama for her father’s birthday. While driving south on I-59 in Etowah County, a tire came loose from a trailer and flew into the windshield, causing serious damage to their truck.

Austin was seriously injured and taken to Riverview Hospital in Gadsden and later flown to UAB, where he remains in serious condition. Malia says every bone in his face is broken and he is currently sedated for his own comfort. Malia walked away with minor bumps and bruises and said this accident could have been prevented.

“I really think it was a freak accident. I don’t think whoever it was was doing it on purpose. I think it was negligent because I think they underestimate the power of tires and you shouldn’t skimp on your equipment, you should check your equipment before you travel,” said Malia.

Malia says Austin was able to open his eyes today and that he has a long road to recovery ahead of him. There is one GoFundMe set up for Austin’s care.

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