A Palmerton man hospitalized following a collision between a train and a front-end loader is improving.

Family members shared an update on Clay Andrews, who was injured Tuesday night when a 14-car train struck a piece of equipment he was operating.

The crash occurred around 10:30 p.m. Tuesday in Bethlehem.

Andrews was hospitalized with serious and life-threatening injuries, including a head injury. However his family said his condition has improved.

His wife Tracey said he was awake and breathing under his own power.

“He still has many hurdles, but he’s headed in the right direction,” she said in a post.

Tracey Andrews thanked family friends and strangers for their outpouring of support throughout the situation, particularly the well-wishes, messages, and meals that her family had received. She said their prayers are working.

“Thank you ALL for your continued prayers, he still has a long way to go for recovery, but he is strong and he is a fighter, we will all help him get through this,” she said.