Estimated read time: 2-3 minutes
- Utah mom Elise Caffee was severely burned in a 10-car pileup in Mexico.
- The accident involved a truck spilling hot asphalt, trapping Caffee under her car.
- Caffee remains in critical condition; her family seeks community support through fasting.
SALT LAKE CITY — Utah mom Elise Caffee is fighting for her life after being severely burned in a car accident in Mexico.
On March 6, Caffee was on her way to a wedding in Cancun with her husband, Dan, when they were involved in a deadly 10-car pileup on the freeway.
Caffee's family posted on Instagram, explaining that "a truck full of hot asphalt hit them, flipping their car, trapping Elise underneath, and dumping steaming hot asphalt on top of her as well as the people in front of the other cars. It happened right in front of a hospital which is a miracle. Hospital workers rushed out and immediately started trying to get people out from under cars as did my Dan, but were getting burned through their protective gloves because the asphalt was so hot. Elise's body is badly burned, her face is not."
After being treated at a hospital in Mexico, Caffee was flown back to Salt Lake City and remains in critical condition in the burn unit following a major surgery on Saturday.
Caffee is a mother of three and is known for documenting her family's travels on her Instagram page, @3kidstravel. She has appeared on Studio 5, sharing her travel tips for parents.
She is also an editor and book publisher, co-founder of Jumelle Press.
On Saturday afternoon, the family posted on Instagram asking anyone to join them in a special fast for Caffee on Sunday, writing, "Fasting is a tradition in many faiths. In ours, we go without food and drink for a period of time to draw closer to God, seek blessings, and offer prayers for those in need… We welcome all who feel inspired to join us in faith and unity. Thank you for your love and support."
Caffee's family created an Instagram page to provide updates on her condition: @EliseCaffeeUpdates.
The driver of their vehicle died in the crash. Caffee's husband, Dan, sustained minor injuries.
