A local family involved in a horrible car crash in Mexico is stranded. The father was killed and several others are in critical condition. Now their loved ones in Wichita are frantically trying to get them back to the United States.

It's a heartbreaking story of tragedy on Christmas. Benjamin Neri was driving his family from Wichita to Durango, Mexico, but just short of their destination, something went terribly wrong. Now the family is stranded at a hospital far from home.

"They got a flat tire and the truck rolled over maybe six times," said Juana Renteria, the victim's sister-in-law.

The Neri family is helpless... trying not to feel hopeless. Benjamin and Jocelyn Neri, American citizens living in Wichita, wrecked their van on the way to be with their family for Christmas. The local newspaper in Durango covered the story.

"The baby, he was in a coma and he's not doing very good," said Renteria. "My sister is in critical condition. She's not going to be able to walk any more."

The Neri's were traveling with their four children, the youngest just 9 months-old. The baby, said to be worsening and is now having convulsions. The older children attend Cloud elementary in Wichita. Jolene Martinez, a friend of the Neri's believes the hospital in Durango is holding the family hostage.

"They were supposed to be flown here on Christmas," said Jolene Martinez. "The plane was ready and everything. The hospital is not willing to release them due to the fact that they want their money."

The family is getting sporadic communication from the children by text message... and even one phone call.

"I told her I'm trying to help her and her mom to get back," Martinez said Saturday. "She said 'Please hurry. I just want to get back home.' She's now in mental shock and she needs care and she's not getting it."

"I just want to have my family back so they can be safe here," pleaded Renteria.

Friends and family have placed donation boxes at several businesses in North Wichita. They are also working on setting up an account with a local bank to accept donations starting Monday. We're also told that since the accident happened outside the United States, the Neri's insurance company will not pay for their medical bills.