Mat-Su

Head-on collision near Valley schools injures teen driver

Update 10 a.m. Thursday:

Alaska State Troopers on Thursday identified the drivers involved in a head-on collision Wednesday near Wasilla as 18-year-old Sierra Woodall, of Wasilla, and 50-year-old Richard Meany, also of Wasilla.

Woodall was flown by LifeMed Alaska helicopter to Providence Alaska Medical Center with what authorities described as serious injuries. She was listed in good condition Thursday, a hospital spokesman said.

----------

Wednesday story:

WASILLA -- A head-on collision just outside Wasilla around noon Wednesday left a teenage driver with serious injuries, Alaska State Troopers say.

The collision, on Seldon Road near Teeland Middle School and Mat-Su Career and Technical High School, was reported just before noon and briefly closed the road.

ADVERTISEMENT

Emergency crews extricated the female driver from her Ford Escort, troopers spokeswoman Megan Peters said. A LifeMed Alaska helicopter landed in a field to take the girl to an Anchorage hospital, said Mat-Su deputy emergency services director Ken Barkley. Another person involved in the accident declined medical attention, Barkley said.

The Escort was eastbound on Seldon when it "drifted and crossed over" the center line, Peters said. An oncoming white SUV veered toward the ditch and a black pickup behind the SUV swerved the opposition direction and collided with the Escort, she said. Troopers received no report of injury to the pickup driver.

Crews from Central Mat-Su Fire Department responded.

Zaz Hollander

Zaz Hollander is a veteran journalist based in the Mat-Su and is currently an ADN local news editor and reporter. She covers breaking news, the Mat-Su region, aviation and general assignments. Contact her at zhollander@adn.com.

ADVERTISEMENT