WILTON — Mindy Sprague likes a challenge and she’s in the midst of one of the biggest of her life.

Sprague, 34, who works in the Bakery Department of the Farmington Walmart, is home recovering from devastating injuries from being crushed by a train June 28 at a Sappi Fine Paper train yard at its Somerset Mill in Skowhegan.

“Honestly, I still don’t know what happened,” she said. “I got down off the train and I got crushed. I am thankful just to be alive and obviously be home. It’s not everyday people survive this kind of trauma. The beginning of it was kind of grim.”

According to Sun Journal archives, the account of her husband, Ken Sprague, of the accident is that Mindy somehow got sucked into a 4-inch space between the train and a concrete wall and was pinned. A co-worker alerted the conductor to pull the train out.

All of her internal organs were damaged by the crushing weight of the train and there was internal bleeding in multiple areas. Her ribs, hips and wrists were broken, according to Ken’s account.

After nearly a month in hospital care and undergoing acute therapy, Mindy returned home July 26. 

Nurses and physical and occupational therapists are helping her get stronger.

She can use a one-armed walker, because her left wrist still hurts too much. But for the most part she uses a wheelchair to get around.

It is estimated she will be in therapy for four to six more months.

The support for her and her family is amazing, she said.

Her husband has been with her every step of the way. He kept everyone abreast of what was happening on Facebook. He is still out of work because she needs nearly 24-hour care, Mindy said. 

“I truly believe (Ken) gave me strength to get through it,” she said. Even through some of the toughest times, she knew he was there. 

Their sons, Jackson, 8, and Keagen, 13, are “beside themselves that I am home and life is getting back to normal,” Mindy said. “Every day we are making progress.”  

Mindy could not say enough about the ongoing support they have received from the community, co-workers, family, friends and others.

“I am humbled by the support,” she said.

Bracelets with the words Mindy Strong on them were made and are available at the Walmart Vision Center.

“Thank you is just not enough. I don’t even have the words. It’s amazing,” she said.

A www.gofundme.com/mindy-sprague page has been set up for Mindy and her family.

 dperry@sunmediagroup.net

Mindy Sprague of Wilton is home recovering after being crushed in a freak train accident on June 28 in Skowhegan.