Authorities: Snowmobile made several hits at Iditarod teams

DAN JOLING, Associated Press


ANCHORAGE, Alaska (AP) — A man on a snowmobile purposely drove into two dog teams competing in the Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race early Saturday morning, killing one dog and injuring at least three others, officials said.

Mushers Aliy Zirkle (AL-ee ZUR-cul) and Jeff King were attacked outside the village of Nulato (noo-LAH-toh), a community of 236 on the Yukon River a little more than halfway into the 1,000-mile (1,600-kilometer) race to Nome.

A suspect has been identified by a village police officer.

Race marshal Mark Nordman said Saturday that Zirkle, 46, who finished second three times from 2012-2014, was mushing from Kokukuk (KOY'-yoo-kuk) to Nulato, a run of less than 20 miles (32.19 kilometers) on the Yukon River, when she was hit.

The snowmobile hit the side of Zirkle's sled at 5 miles (8.05 kilometers)out of Koyukuk, turned around multiple times and came back at her before driving off, Alaska State Troopers spokeswoman Megan Peters said by email.

The snowmobile reappeared 12 miles (19.31 kilometers) out of Nulato. He revved up and was pointed at Zirkle before leaving, Peters said.

One dog on her team was bruised. Officials described the injury as non-life-threatening.

King, a four-time Iditarod champion, was behind Zirkle and fared worse.

When King reached the vicinity, he was struck from behind by the snowmobile and at least three of his dogs were hit.

Nash, a 3-year-old male, was killed. Crosby, another 3-year-old male, and Banjo, a 2-year-old male, received injuries and are expected to survive.

Race officials said King received medical attention in Nulato, but troopers quoted King as saying he was not injured. Troopers also said five of King's dogs were injured.

Zirkle left Nulato with 14 dogs at 6:16 a.m., after dropping one dog in the village. She was in third place.

The race leader is former champion Mitch Seavey, who reached Kaltag at 7:41 a.m.

Brent Sass was running second. He left Nulato at 3:43 a.m.

Reigning champ Dallas Seavey, the son of Mitch Seavey, was in fourth place. He left Nulato at 7:14 a.m.

-- (c) Associated Press 2016-03-13

....dam....terrible news....was the Snowmobile named Christine?

Mad, almost same as bad manner spectators are jumping into the line of bicycle racers.

nothing like, this was an ettempt to cause serious injury, and he came back and had another go. hope is for the high jump

Surprised the snowmobiler wasn't shot. Tough people up there. Everybody packs heat in Alaska. He will be hunted and found. I have a good friend that worked with the sled dog owners and their dogs for years, made "shoes", etc. for them. I'll be very interested to find out the reason behind the attack and where the perp is from. I'll send him email but I don't think there is internet where he is at.

Perp claimed he was drunk and "doesn't remember" the collisions.

http://abcnews.go.com/Sports/wireStory/snowmobile-strikes-iditarod-teams-kills-dog-injures-37601683

Dang, in the middle of the Alaskan bush...getting ambushed by a snowmobile...

Can't make this stuff up...

I know, I know...this would never happen in Thailand...