By Sarah Nagem

snagem@salisburypost.com

A mother and daughter caught in an automobile accident near China Grove Monday suffered serious injuries and remain at a Charlotte hospital, a family member said Thursday.

Jessica Morris, 19, of 225 Morris Hill Drive, China Grove, was in fair condition at Carolinas Medical Center Thursday afternoon.

"She broke both legs, both feet," Scott Morris, Jessica's father, said.

The accident also broke Jessica Morris' right knee; cracked her sternum, the long, flat bone in the middle of the chest; and lacerated her liver.

"She's having a hard time breathing," Scott Morris said.

Jessica's 4-year-old daughter, Alexis, is also at Carolinas Medical Center in Charlotte.

"Alexis had some swelling on the brain," Scott Morris said.

Doctors induced a coma and were scheduled to take her out of the coma Thursday, he said.

Around 6:30 p.m. Monday, Jessica and Alexis were traveling east on N.C. 152 near Kress Venture Drive. The 1988 Chevrolet Celebrity they were in crossed the center line then went off the road to the left, striking a tree and overturning, the Highway Patrol reported.

Rescue workers flew Jessica and Alexis, the only people in the car, from the scene.

Jessica was pinned under the car's dashboard, Trooper C.F. Rogers said. She was not wearing a seat belt.

Alexis was in a booster seat during the crash, Rogers said.

The pair were headed to Jessica's grandmother's house near Cromer Road when they crashed, Scott Morris said. The grandmother was going to take Alexis to Vacation Bible School at Phaniels Baptist Church.

Scott Morris said his daughter has given any clue about what caused the accident. Trooper Rogers ruled out speed and alcohol as factors.

"She was lucky," Scott Morris said.

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