Seven people hospitalized after collision

WASILLA -- Seven people were taken to Valley Hospital on the evening of July 20 when, according to Wasilla Police, a teen-ager driving a Jeep Grand Cherokee collided with a Pontiac minivan at the intersection of the Parks Highway and Old Matanuska Road.

Cody Beus, 17, of Wasilla, was driving the minivan when he allegedly failed to yield to the Jeep, which was driven by Rebecca Jeffers, 17, of Palmer. Central Mat-Su Fire Department Chief Jack Krill said the Jeep T-boned the minivan.

"It was a pretty significant impact," Krill said. The van was dented in about one foot and rescue crews had to use the Jaws of Life to cut a hole in the van and extract three passengers. "It was a long operation to cut away the vehicle," Krill said.

Along with Cody Beus and Rebecca Jeffers, eight passengers were also involved in the collision including: Keb Beus, Kylie Beus, Kelsey Beus, Brooke Beus, Sam McClure, Austin McClure, Holden McClure and Mitchel Palmer.

Eight emergency vehicles responded to the scene, including five ambulances, two rescue vehicles and a fire engine. Three fire chiefs also responded to the scene.

As of Monday morning, Valley Hospital reported that three juveniles from the collision had been treated and discharged. Kelsey Beus was listed in stable condition and a member of the nursing staff said three of the other injured people were transferred to Providence Alaska Medical Center in Anchorage. Providence confirmed that the three individuals who were transferred were still at the hospital. Additional information about their names and status were not available at press time.

Contact Joel Davidson at joel.davidson@frontiersman.com.