Mexican singer Emilio Navaira has stunned doctors by waking from a coma just days after they told his family to expect the worst.

The Tejano singer has been fighting for his life in a Texas hospital after a tourbus he was driving collided with traffic barrels on a Houston highway last weekend.

Pal Raul Brindis, who was with Navaira’s family when the singer regained consciousness on Thursday, says, "His family was happy, crying tears of joy.

"He opened his eyes and the doctor told him if he understood what he was saying, that he should squeeze his hand, and he did."

Doctors are now optimistic the 46-year-old will make a full recovery, but he is still in critical condition.