photo by Ashley McCartney

Mangled mishap: Seven people were transported to the hospital from this van after it collided with the pick-up truck in the background on Highway 82 Monday afternoon. The drivers of both vehicles were airlifted to the hospital.

8 injured in Hwy. 82 crash

Wreck shuts down highway for more than two hours

By Ashley McCartney | Clanton Advertiser

Originally published 03:18 p.m., December 22, 2008
Updated 09:43 p.m., December 22, 2008

At least eight people were injured, three of which were airlifted, in a head-on collision on Highway 82 Monday afternoon.

About 3 p.m., a GMC van and Toyota truck collided head-on just east of County Road 10 on Highway 82 in the Town of Maplesville’s jurisdiction. The van appeared to be heading west while the truck was heading east.

Maplesville Fire and Rescue with mutual aid from South Chilton and Isabella fire departments was dispatched to the scene.

Extrication tools were used to remove the driver’s side doors of both vehicles, from which the male drivers were rescued. Both were airlifted via helicopter, and another victim was airlifted later.

Photo by Ashley McCartney

Warm touch: Five of the victims in the wreck were soothed with warm blankets given by the medical staff from Angel’s Ambulance service as well as Maplesville and South Chilton fire departments.

The landing zone for one victim was at the Jemison Park and Ride while the other two helicopters landed in Clanton. The adults were transported to UAB Hospital, and the children were transported to Children’s Hospital.

Identities and the conditions of the victims were not available as of yesterday afternoon. The van had a Georgia license plate.

Due to the wreck, Highway 82 was closed for more than two hours with traffic being detoured to Highway 22.

The Maplesville Police Department is investigating the crash.

– Ashley McCartney can be reached at ashley.mccartney@clantonadvertiser.com.

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