Multiple-vehicle crash lands three in hospital

Updated (4:26 p.m. Aug. 18):

HOUSTON — Four people were injured, one seriously, after a three-vehicle motor vehicle Tuesday near the intersection of the Parks Highway and Big Lake Road, troopers said.

The wreck happened when a four-door silver sedan driven by John Hensel stopped to turn left about 11 a.m. A white van driven by Rodger Demiller, 62, of Trapper Creek, struck him from behind, and pushed the sedan into northbound traffic. The sedan collided with a Honda SUV, driven by Ruth Strong, 68, 0f Talkeetna.

Mat-Su borough emergency medical services transported Hensel, Strong, and an unidentified passenger from the SUV to Mat-Su Regional Medical Center for treatment. Demiller refused treatment, according to trooper dispatches.

Troopers cited Demiller for negligent driving.

Emergency responders said the Parks Highway was closed for about 40 minutes yesterday afternoon just for the emergency response, and some possible closures beyond that as troopers investigated. Borough first responders originally called for a lifemed helicopter, but were unable to obtain one because of the weather, according to deputy emergency services director Ken Barkley.

Original Story:

WASILLA — Four people were injured, one seriously, after a three-vehicle motor vehicle wreck near Mile 52 of the Parks Highway about 11 a.m. Tuesday, officials said.

The wreck closed the Parks Highway for approximately 30 to 40 minutes late Tuesday morning. Emergency responders had turned the scene over to Alaska State Troopers about noon, according Mat-Su borough deputy director for fire Ken Barkley. Motorists were told to expect possible delays while troopers investigated.

“Any closures that people are experiencing are because troopers are investigating,” Barkley said.

Responders initially tried to transport one of the injured via Life Med medical helicopter. The helicopter was unable to respond because of weather conditions in the Valley. The patient was instead transported to Mat-Su Regional Medical center for treatment.