UPDATE 6:00 A.M. 06-10-22 – The Sterling Highway at mile 55.5 was closed Thursday afternoon after an RV vs truck accident closed the highway near Russian River Ferry that trapped an individual. Cooper Landing Emergency Services fire and medics were called to respond with extensive extrication, in addition to aeromedical aircraft being called in.
According to the online trooper dispatch, Alaska State Troopers reports that, after an investigation, a gray Toyota pickup traveling southbound crossed the centerline where it collided with a motorhome heading north. The collision trapped one individual in the wreckage, which authorities had to assist in extrication. The driver of the pickup was transported to the hospital by a Guardian Flight helicopter for serious injuries. A passenger in the motorhome was transported to the hospital by ambulance for treatment of injuries of undetermined severity.
The Sterling Highway was closed for traffic going in both directions for about five hours while authorities investigated the scene and cleaned up the accident. The highway was reopened at 5:35 p.m. Thursday evening.
None of the individuals involved in the accident have been formally identified.
UPDATE 6:00 P.M. – Alaska State Troopers report that the traffic crash investigation at mile post 55 has concluded and the Sterling Highway has, since, reopened. Authorities caution drivers to be patient traveling through this area while the backed up traffic clears out.
UPDATE 3:00 P.M. – Cooper Landing Emergency Services reports that the trapped individuals have been transported to a medical facility, including one adult by Cooper Landing medics and Guardian Flight, which lifted off enroute to an Anchorage area trauma center with one adult patient. The Sterling Highway remains closed in both directions.
ORIGINAL – The Alaska Department of Transportation and Public Facilities reports that the Sterling Highway is closed at mile 55.5 near Russian River Ferry due to a serious traffic crash that trapped an individual. The estimated time of the closure is unknown at this time.
Cooper Landing Emergency Services reports it’s an RV vs truck accident that happened at 12:35 p.m. that closed the highway with Cooper Landing Emergency Services fire and medics responding to the scene in addition to Central Emergency Services out of Soldotna being requested to assist with extensive extrication and aeromedical aircraft.
Alaska State Troopers will also be on the scene of the accident, which is expected to close the highway down for several hours.
No other details are known at this time.
