Model walks into spinning aeroplane propeller

Model walks into spinning aeroplane propeller

A pretty fashion model has suffered horrific injuries after accidentally walking into a spinning aeroplane propeller.

Lauren Scruggs, 23, had her left hand almost completely severed and suffered severe cuts to her face as well as terrible upper body injuries.

She is now in a stable condition after undergoing emergency surgery but doctors were forced to amputate her left hand.

Pretty Lauren, who writes a fashion blog and edits an online lifestyle magazine in Texas, US, was injured as she stepped off the plane on a trip to see Christmas lights.

Friends said as she left the light aircraft at Aero County Airport in McKinney, Texas, on Saturday night she walked straight into the propeller.

A family spokesman said on a charity blog set up in her honour: "As Lauren begins to wake up, she is learning the extent of her injuries.

"Brittany (her twin sister) was able to explain to her that she was in an accident, sustaining multiple injuries. She seemed to acknowledge what Brittany explained and confirmed it with a hand squeeze."

The spokesman continued: "She is able to open her right eye to see while her left eye is still bandaged.

"Please continue to pray for the vision of her left eye, as we will not know the status of her sight for some time."

After the incident Lauren, who also worked on TV show Gossip Girls in the wardrobe department, was rushed to the Parkland Memorial Hospital in Dallas where her family gathered at her bedside.

The pilot has not yet been identified but he is thought to have been a friend of Lauren's, who had recently purchased the plane - a 2011 Aviat Husky light aircraft.

Family friend Janee Harrell said on the blog: "Speaking for the entire Scruggs family, your prayers are greatly appreciated and felt every moment.

"Many of you know, our beautiful Lauren was in an accident. After exiting a propeller plane, an accident occurred where she w! alked in to the front of the prop.

"Struck on the left side of her body, Lauren's hand, head, and shoulder area were hit.

"Following multiple surgeries, Lauren has received facial and shoulder reconstruction, as well as the loss of her hand.

"We are currently praying for healing on the left eye and brain. She is in stable condition with ongoing surgery. Keep praying!"

In a later blog post, Ms Harrell added: "She is currently resting peacefully in ICU. Earlier in the night, there was a victory. With her eyes closed, Jeff (her father) asked Lauren to respond by squeezing his hand, moments later that is exactly what she did! Praise the Lord.

"Tomorrow, Lauren will be heading back into surgery so that the doctors can finish up the work on her left hand area. Pray that the surgery goes flawlessly, as well as there will be no infections."

The Federal Aviation Administration said they are investigating the incident.

Lynn Lunsford, from the FAA, said: "It appears that the pilot left the engine running at idle while she exited the plane to switch places with another passenger.

"That's one of the aspects of the investigation." - www.thesun.co.uk