Couple trapped in overturned car after two-vehicle crash

Emergency responders used the Jaws of Life to extricate a couple involved in a two-vehicle collision in Fredonia, Arizona, Monday afternoon.

Photos by Daisy Johnson

Just before 3:30 p.m., on Monday, March 6, a Nissan Murano out of Texas traveling south on Highway 89A hit a Subaru Forrester from Alaska at the intersection of Highways 89A and 389 in Fredonia as the Subaru appeared to attempt to turn north onto Hwy 89A.

The two female travelers in the Nissan were easily removed from their upright vehicle. However, the impact caused the Subaru to flip on its side. After stabilizing the vehicle, emergency responders carefully used the Jaws of Life to first disentangle the female passenger, after which they were able to remove the male driver.

First responders were required to tear a totaled vehicle apart, using the Jaws of Life to rescue its passengers.

Two individuals involved in the accident were transported to the hospital. At the time of writing, this incident is still under investigation.

Unfortunately, this accident is yet another example illustrating the danger of this intersection. A stoplight has been suggested for this location which would greatly improve the safety of not only locals, but tourists as well.

Thank you to the Fredonia Police Department, Fredonia Fire Department, Kanab EMTs, Coconino Sherriff Department, Arizona DPS and ADOT for their speedy response to the scene, and to Ramsay Towing for assistance with the cleanup.

The accident is still under investigation.