Two children were ejected from improperly installed car seats during a three- vehicle crash on 15th Avenue Wednesday morning, Anchorage police said. Five people were hospitalized with non-life-threatening injuries, police said.
Police shut down westbound traffic on 15th Avenue between Lake Otis Parkway and Medfra Street for 45 minutes starting just before 9 a.m., said Anita Shell, Anchorage police spokeswoman.
James Orr lost control of his Mitsubishi SUV traveling eastbound on an icy 15th Avenue and crossed into westbound traffic, she said. He hit a Ford Escape and then a Chevrolet pickup truck, she said.
When Orr hit one of the vehicles, his 4-year-old son and 6-year-old daughter were ejected from his vehicle leaving him and his 9-year-old daughter inside, she said.
All three children and their father were taken to an Anchorage hospital, according to police.
Shell said both children ejected from the vehicle have cuts on their faces, and the 6-year-old may have a leg injury, but none of their injuries appear to be life-threatening. She said the 9-year-old suffered internal injuries.
The driver of the Ford Escape, Robin Hill, was taken to an Anchorage hospital with non-life-threatening injuries, Shell said.
Police cited Orr with three $210, "Child Under the Age of 16 Not Properly Restrained" counts that will add 2 points each on his license, Shell said.
By BENJAMIN S. BRASCH