Car rolls, catches fire

WASILLA — Alcohol and speed likely played parts in a fiery rollover crash on a residential street south of the Palmer-Wasilla Highway early Monday.

According to Alaska State Troopers, the wreck at Acorn Street and Shenandoah Drive was reported at 12:05 a.m. When troopers and medics arrived, they saw the vehicle, a 2006 Saturn Vue, was on fire laying on its side.

Troopers helped Central Mat-Su Fire Department responders put the fire out, then Central set to work freeing the driver, William R. Rogers, 65, of Wasilla.

Troopers say they believe Rogers was speeding around a curve while southbound when he lost control, went into the ditch, hit a raised driveway and rolled the car onto its side.

“Speed along with alcohol are believed to be contributing factors to the crash,” troopers report.

How much of a role alcohol played is unclear in the press release. Court and jail records contain no listing for Rogers being arrested that day or since.