Two people trying to jump-start a broken down truck suffered serious -- and in one case life-threatening -- injuries after being hit by a driver who lost control Christmas afternoon, Alaska State Troopers said.
A Toyota pickup was stalled on the northbound side of the road at about mile145.5 of the Sterling Highway near Ninilchick, and a Dodge van had pulled in front of it to jump-start the stalled vehicle about 5:50 p.m. Thursday, when the accident occurred, according to an online dispatch.
A Toyota SUV, driven by 29-year-old Larry E. Pyatt of Anchor Point, slid on ice and slush as Pyatt slowed, striking the pickup. The pickup's driver, 29-year-old Mathany Christine Statterwhite of Anchor Point, who was standing in front of the pickup attaching the jumper cables, was thrown to the ditch by the force of the crash, troopers said, suffering serious injuries.
A second victim, an 11-year-old girl who troopers didn't identify, was pinned between the truck and van and suffered life-threatening injuries. She was medevaced to Anchorage for treatment, troopers said.
In an email Friday morning, troopers information officer Beth Ipsen said the girl was in critical condition at an Anchorage hospital.
Pyatt and the driver of the van, 51-year-old Nathan Sargeant of Anchor Point, both suffered minor injuries.
Troopers said an investigation into the accident remained open and that they don't yet know whether drugs or alcohol were a factor.