BOISE, Idaho — A 15-year-old boy narrowly escaped death after being pinned under a truck that had fallen on him while he was working on it.
Boise resident Llovani Soto told KTVB that it seemed like a regular day while he was working on his Ram 1500 with his best friend, Haris Palovic. However something went wrong when he was jacking up the truck.
"I went to put the second jack underneath, and I was halfway underneath," Llovani said. "So once I started jacking up the other one, I heard a click. I don't know if the jack slipped or like broke. But then all I know is that truck just fell on me."
It all happened in seconds, at least that’s how Llovani remembers it. He said he started to scream and was in a lot of pain.
Haris said he was able to lift the car while they waited for help to arrive.
"I was able to pick it up by the back end just so kick it off his side and wasn't just lying on his hip,” Haris said.
Llovani was sent to the hospital to receive treatment for several of his injuries. He said when he woke up in the hospital he couldn't feel his legs. He shares that doctors believe it has to do something with his nerves.
Cassandra Soto told KTVB, she received a phone call that she hopes no mother ever receives.
“You never think that you ever have to go through that, Cassandra said. "But at the same time, I was kind of happy that I could hear him talking and moving. So, it was just kind of mixed emotions."
Llovani now hopes other people lead their projects with safety in mind.
"I should have known. I shouldn't have had this type of jack for a truck like that, but I did," Llovani said. "I should have put more jack before I got under the truck. It hurt a lot and I hope no one has to go through that."
Meineke Auto's General Manager Charlie Fiscus said these types of accidents are common.
"I've seen those scissor Jacks roll out from under vehicles all the time and essentially, that's probably the number one thing that I see, unfortunately,” said Fiscus.
Fiscus said it’s important to have the proper education when working on cars. He shared tips and stated that he knows the dos and don'ts before working on a car. Also, having proper carjacks and placement is key to preventing accidents.
He urged the public and said scissor jacks are only to be used in emergency situations such as changing a tire.
As for Llovani, he hopes to make a full recovery with the help of his mom and best friend.
"He's the one that watches him while I go to work and make sure that he's getting his meds properly and that he's being fed,” Cassandra said.
His family is raising funds to help pay for his medical bills.
"I know I'll be okay. But just trying to get through those bills and get to get into a place and get what we need to get for them. Prayers are what counts the most for me right now. I just want to make sure he's okay,” said Cassandra.
Their goal is to raise 30-thousand dollars to help cover medical bills. For further information, visit their GoFundMe here.
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