The owner of the McDonald's franchise in Luverne is in critical but stable condition after a car accident on May 4.

Mark Waters of Luverne was critically injured when his 1998 Volkswagon left the road and came to a stop approximately 60 to 75 feet in the woods.

According to Brantley Fire Chief Harry Driggers, the volunteer fire department and Brantley Rescue were notified of the accident at 3:27 p.m that Friday afternoon. Driggers said that Waters was traveling on Highway 189, or the Brantley/Elba Highway, at the time of the accident.

&#8220No other cars were involved in the accident,” Driggers said. &#8220It appears that he just lost control of the car.”

Waters was traveling by himself.

When rescue personnel arrived, Waters' car had hit a pine tree and was upside down on its roof.

&#8220We had to cut his seat belt to get him out,” Driggers said.

Due to the car's position and to Waters' need for medical attention, Driggers said the fire department, at first, had decided to use the &#8220jaws of life” to cut him from the vehicle, but they soon realized the process would be &#8220too slow.”

&#8220We had nine firemen on the scene plus some bystanders,” he said. &#8220We literally turned the car over, and that way, it was quicker to get him out and get him the medical attention he needed.”

Driggers added that Waters was semi-conscious at the time they pulled him from the car.

Brantley Rescue Squad took Waters to Crenshaw Community Hospital where he was later lifeflighted to Baptist South in Montgomery that same afternoon.

According to Robert Roys, McDonald's store manager, Waters is in an &#8220induced coma in the critical care unit in Baptist South.”

&#8220From what I understand, he is still in critical condition, but he is stable,” Roys said. &#8220We appreciate everyone who has asked about him, and we ask that everyone keep him in their prayers.”