18-year-old in serious condition after crash

BIG LAKE -- An 18-year-old Big Lake woman is in serious but improving condition at Providence Alaska Medical Center in Anchorage after a three-vehicle accident Monday afternoon at Mile 46 Parks Hwy.

Alaska State Troopers responded to a call at 4 p.m. that a driver from one car and several passengers in a Dodge truck were injured in the crash. Christina Simmons was medivaced to Providence Hospital while four of the five children in another vehicle driven by Jean Baeber, 44, were treated for injuries at Valley Hospital and then released. The children ranged from five to 14 years old. One of the children, the five-year-old, was not taken to the hospital.

According to information received at the scene by troopers, Simmons was southbound on the Parks in a 1998 Dodge Neon when she crossed the center line into the northbound lane. The Neon sideswiped the rear tire of a northbound cement truck that had pulled over in its lane to avoid the car. The Neon then struck Baeber's 2001 full-size Dodge pickup head-on.

The Neon received extensive damage in the collision. An engine fire erupted in the Neon but was extinguished by a passerby with a fire extinguisher.

Simmons was taken by helicopter to Providence where she was listed in critical condition and treated for leg and head injuries. Airbags in the truck deployed, but airbags in the Neon did not, according to trooper reports.

Public safety liaison for Meadow Lakes Ambulance, Lee Himes, said Simmons has worked two years at the Mile 49 CafŽ, where she is well-loved by patrons and friends.

Her father, Darin Simmons, said his daughter is like a magnet to people, and numerous friends are camped out at the hospital to show their support. She is a recent graduate of Houston High School, and had graduated as one of the top in her class, her father said. The Neon was a graduation gift, which he had built for her. Simmons owns Trader D Enterprises in Wasilla.

Troopers said it was unclear what caused Simmons' vehicle to swerve into the oncoming lane. Traffic was diverted around the accident until 7 p.m., when the scene was cleared.

Himes said emergency crews from Big Lake, Meadow Lakes and Central Mat-Su Fire Department responded quickly to the crash site, along with Wasilla police officers and state troopers.

Darin Simmons said he feels Christy would especially want to thank emergency crews and the police for their excellent work. "She would want them to know how much we appreciate all their efforts. The medics were amazing. She is going to pull through this."