Sterling Highway Crash Sends Woman, Child to Anchorage for Intensive Care
A two-vehicle crash near the Sterling Transfer Facility on Tuesday at 11:30 a.m. resulted in the medical airlift of a woman and a child to Anchorage for intensive care, according to Alaska State Troopers.
The collision temporarily closed the Sterling Highway at Milepost 85.5. Central Emergency Services from Sterling and Soldotna responded, along with Alaska State Troopers. The highway was closed for approximately two hours, reopening to one lane by 1 p.m. and fully by 2:40 p.m.
The crash involved a 2005 Chevrolet Cobalt traveling southbound and a 2008 Toyota Tacoma heading northbound. Eyewitnesses reported that the Tacoma was driving below the speed limit on icy roads when the Cobalt began fishtailing and crossed into oncoming traffic. The Tacoma struck the Cobalt's passenger side with its front driver's side.
The driver of the Tacoma and the occupants of the Cobalt—two young children in car seats and a woman—were taken to Central Peninsula Hospital. The Tacoma driver suffered minor injuries, while the woman and one child were later airlifted to Anchorage.
Alaska State Troopers are investigating the incident. Winter travel advisories recommend checking road conditions and reducing speeds, as posted limits apply to dry pavement. For real-time traffic updates, visit the DOT&PF 511 system at 511.alaska.gov.