Dale Earnhardt Jr. on Monday spoke out for the first time since he and his family survived a fiery plane crash in Tennessee last week, saying they are “truly blessed” to walk away unscathed.

Earnhardt Jr. released a statement on Twitter, thanking his fans and others who have supported them with messages, phone calls and prayers since the crash.

“We are truly blessed that all on board escaped with no serious injuries, including our daughter, our two pilots and our dog Gus,” he wrote in the statement.

“I am thankful for the quick response of my pilots, local law enforcement, emergency personnel and hospital staff. Lastly, Amy and I continue to be very appreciative of the privacy extended to us to process everything. It has been important to do that together and on our own time,” he added.

The NASCAR great’s private plane ran off the end of the runway at Elizabethton Municipal Airport in Carter County last Thursday afternoon and became engulfed in flames.

The aircraft wound up just feet from a highway, but Earnhardt Jr. and his family were all brought out of the wreck successfully and treated for minor injuries at a local hospital.