Three-car accident sends nine to hospital

WASILLA — A three-car accident at the corner of Bogard and Engstrom roads Friday afternoon sent five adults and four children to the hospital.

The accident occurred about 1:30 p.m. and closed both lanes of Bogard.

There were three cars involved in the collision, two smaller white sedans and a Subaru Outback.

The sedans — a Chevy Cobalt and a Mazda Protege — got the worst of it. Central Mat-Su Fire Chief James Steele said two patients were trapped in each of the cars. Rescue crews removed doors and a roof to get them out.

He described the four child patients as probably 5 years old or younger. Though it took four ambulances to get everyone to the hospital, Steele said he didn't see any injuries that appeared to be life threatening.

The chief would not hazard a guess as to who hit whom, nor could he release names of the victims. Alaska STate Troopers on scene declined comment, preferring to distribute information in a written press statement, which was not immediately available.