Alaska State Troopers sent two helicopters into Chugach State Park on Sunday to rescue three hikers who were injured after slipping while descending from area peaks.
Two of the hikers, traveling separately, slipped and fell on Flattop, injuring their arms and legs. Another hiker suffered fractures and bruises after she tried to glissade down O'Malley Peak and crashed into rocks, troopers said.
All the accidents were reported between 2 and 3 p.m.
The first happened at about 2:13 when someone called to report that Heui-Chun Wang, 48, had slipped on O'Malley Peak, injuring her ankle and arm, troopers said. She was taken to Providence Alaska Medical Center for treatment.
The Flattop accidents were reported at and after 4:44 p.m. The first call involved Anchorage resident Starra Hogins, 17, who reportedly slid 300 feet down the mountain after losing her footing, injuring her ankle and arm. A LifeMed helicopter was sent to retrieve her but could not reach her due to the terrain. An Alaska State Troopers helicopter carrying rescue volunteers was able to land nearby.
A third accident was reported during Hogins' rescue. This one involved Anchorage resident Jenna Rhodes, 20, who also lost her footing and slipped down the mountain, injuring her hip and ankle. The LifeMed helicopter returned to the mountain, and the two helicopters carried the hikers to Providence to treat their injuries, troopers said.
Reach Elizabeth Bluemink at ebluemink@adn.com or 257-4317.
By ELIZABETH BLUEMINK
ebluemink@adn.com