Nursing Student Survives Freak Freeway Accident

Janina Akporavbare defies 1% odds after pole impales her during rush-hour crash

Published on Feb. 8, 2026

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A California nursing student, Janina Akporavbare, miraculously survived after a metal pole flew through her car and impaled her in the stomach during a terrifying freeway accident in San Bernardino. Doctors initially gave her just a 1% chance of survival, but Akporavbare endured multiple surgeries and a lengthy recovery to pull through "against overwhelming odds."

Why it matters

The freak accident highlights the dangers that drivers can face on busy freeways, even from unexpected airborne debris. Akporavbare's story also underscores the critical role first responders and medical professionals play in saving lives under extreme circumstances.

The details

While driving in rush-hour traffic on the 10 Freeway, Akporavbare's car was struck by a metal pole that came hurtling towards her vehicle. The pole impaled her in the stomach as other cars ran over it. Akporavbare managed to pull over and call 911, with firefighters and paramedics rushing to the scene to stabilize her. Doctors at Loma Linda University Medical Center performed multiple surgeries to remove parts of her colon, liver, and kidney that were damaged in the accident.

  • The accident occurred on August 25 during the evening rush-hour commute.
  • Akporavbare spent nearly two months recovering at Loma Linda University Medical Center.

The players

Janina Akporavbare

A California nursing student who survived a freak freeway accident where a metal pole impaled her in the stomach.

Loma Linda University Medical Center

The hospital where Akporavbare was treated and underwent multiple surgeries to save her life after the accident.

Loma Linda Firefighters Association

The first responders who rushed to the scene and helped stabilize Akporavbare before transporting her to the hospital.

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What they’re saying

“I remember thinking, 'I'm gonna die right now. That's it for me.'”

— Janina Akporavbare, Nursing Student (WDBJ7)

“They took out part of my colon, my liver, my kidney. They were all injured.”

— Janina Akporavbare, Nursing Student (WDBJ7)

“It makes me want to be a nurse even more because I want to help people like the nurses at Loma Linda helped me.”

— Janina Akporavbare, Nursing Student (WDBJ7)

What’s next

Akporavbare and her attorney are now trying to determine the origin of the pole that struck her vehicle, urging any witnesses to come forward to provide more information.

The takeaway

Akporavbare's miraculous survival against overwhelming odds underscores the critical role of first responders and medical professionals in saving lives, and inspires her to continue pursuing her dream of becoming a nurse to help others in need.