Belizean-American R&B singer and songwriter, Gilani Taylor, 27, is fighting for her life at the County- USC Medical Center after she survived a terrible traffic accident that killed her 9-year-old daughter, Jayla Taylor, on Saturday, October 1, on the Ventura 101 Freeway in Calabasas, California.
Gilani suffered 3rd degree burns to 90 per cent of her body.
According to international media reports, Gilani and Jayla were travelling in a 1995 Chrysler Sedan on Saturday at around 8:00 a.m., when suddenly, Gilani lost control and veered off the road. The car then hit the center divider and then ran into a tanker carrying liquid nitrogen.
The vehicle reportedly flipped over and landed some 20 feet away, then exploded. Both Gilani and her daughter were reportedly wearing their seat belts, but only Gilani managed to get out of the burning vehicle. Jayla was consumed by the flames.
KTLA News in California reported tonight, Monday, that a witness had come forward saying a hit-and-run driver caused the crash. The witness, who reportedly drove directly behind Taylor during the accident, said an SUV side-swiped Taylor’s vehicle, causing the Chrysler to swerve out of control.
According to eyewitness accounts, a blazing Gilani crawled out of the vehicle, screaming in pain, and in terror for her daughter, left behind in the car.
Pastor Dale Johnson described the aftermath of the accident as reported by KTLA: “She crawled out of the window and starts crawling on her elbows from the car…she’s rolling in pain, on fire …. I was shocked at first; I thought it was a horror movie,” said Johnson.
A group of men then managed to help Gilani by extinguishing the fire with the little water they carried in their water bottles, while some used their shirts.
Gilani was then airlifted for medical attention and was transferred to the County-USC’s burns center, where she is being treated for third degree burns to 90 per cent of her body. Jayla was pronounced dead on the scene.
We could not find out at this time, however, whether she was Belizean.
About a week ago, Gilani released her debut album Take a Picture. The album consists of 11 songs and is a mixture of pop, rock and R&B tracks.
Several of Gilana’s Facebook fans have since expressed their sincere sympathy for her loss, and say they are keeping her in their prayers.
Amandala spoke tonight with instructor/singer-songwriter Sybelle Adele, who was trying to work with Gilani in the music industry.
“I am so hurt right now. She’s so talented and beautiful. I was going to audition for her background singer, etc. She’s so sweet, not sure why the lovely people of the world must suffer such tragedy, but God only knows his will for her life!! Can’t question that, nevertheless, my heart goes out to her!! Hoping for a speedy recovery for her and that she receives all the best care possible, including counsel for the loss of her baby girl,” said Sybelle Adele.