Fairbanks

5 hurt when pickup, SUV collide in North Pole

Two North Pole drivers — plus all three of their passengers, some with severe injuries — were taken to a Fairbanks hospital after their vehicles collided Tuesday evening.

Troopers said Wednesday that 52-year-old Jerry Wright was at the wheel of a Dodge pickup truck during the collision, while 34-year-old Nicholas Long was driving a Chevrolet Suburban SUV. The crash near Holmes Road and Doyle Drive was reported to troopers just after 7 p.m.

"Investigation revealed (Wright) was driving erratically and attempted to pass (Long)," troopers wrote in a dispatch on the crash. "Long made a left-hand turn and was struck by Wright."

Wright and Long, as well as two passengers from Wright's vehicle and one from Long's, were treated at Fairbanks Memorial Hospital.

"Life-threatening injuries were initially reported; however, all people involved are listed in stable condition," troopers wrote.

Troopers spokeswoman Megan Peters said in an email Wednesday that Long, after being treated for injuries, was held at the Fairbanks Correctional Center on a $20,000 arrest warrant for violating conditions of his probation in a previous case.

The North Pole crash was still under investigation Wednesday, with no word from troopers on whether criminal charges would be filed.

Chris Klint

Chris Klint is a former ADN reporter who covered breaking news.

ADVERTISEMENT