Toddler safe after crash trauma

A US toddler is recovering in hospital after surviving five days in freezing conditions, following a car crash which killed her mother.

Three-year-old Angel Emery was found in the car wreckage off an Arizona road after relatives notified police that the pair were missing.

She had survived despite the cold by eating crackers and cuddling her dead mother for warmth.

Angel was dubbed a "miracle child" by rescuers after her astonishing escape.

Accident investigators say Angel's mother, Patti Emery-Wade, is thought to have veered off a local road in snowy weather conditions and spun before crashing into a tree.

She suffered severe injuries to her back and head and may have survived for some time - perhaps providing her daughter with valuable warmth and comfort - before succumbing to her injuries.

Five days later, a passer-by spotted the car and alerted authorities.

'Amazed' rescuers

Rescuer Sergeant Dave Wander told the Arizona Republic newspaper that after finding the car, he felt there was no chance either had survived the crash.

As a result, he was stunned to see Angel alive inside.

"It kind of blew me away," he told the newspaper

"I could see that the mother was [dead].. and then all of a sudden Angel popped up... it amazes me that she was able to survive that long out there."

Sgt Wander said when he lifted the girl out of the car she "chattered away" and asked for water.

Angel was then flown to hospital where she was treated for dehydration and frostbite on her feet.

It is thought that family members will look after her until custody arrangements can be agreed.