Monterey: Car crashes and burns, driver in critical condition

A driver is in critical condition after crashing a car into a wall in Monterey.

According to the Monterey Police Department, the crash occurred around 12:18 a.m. Tuesday, August 15 on the 2100 block of Del Monte. The car caught fire with the driver still inside.

A Monterey Police Officer was in the area and helped put out the flames. The driver, 25-year-old Joey Christensen was able to get out of the car but sustained serious injuries and was airlifted to a bay area hospital.

Christensen suffered burns to over 90 percent of his body and his family said he will require multiple surgeries.

“Joey is a fighter and like his injuries in 2008 when him and his brother were shot, we’ve been reminded to be cautiously optimistic,” said Joey’s mother, Tammy Christensen.

The 25-year-old burn victim was airlifted to Santa Clara Valley Medical Center where he seeks extreme medical attention.

The family is holding a fundraiser Tuesday night at Demarcos Pizza in Seaside and a prayer vigil at 7:30 p.m at Del Monte Beach.

“Joey is truly a special human being and has a portion of the Central Coast pulling for him,” said Tammy Christensen.

A gofundme account has been started for Joey, you can find those details by clicking HERE.