Palmer man dies in accident

WASILLA -- A Palmer man was killed and his passenger and another driver were injured in a weekend crash, Wasilla police reported.

On Sunday, Clarence Gaul, 58, died instantly after he pulled his 1986 Buick Century from Spruce Avenue into the Lucille Street intersection and into the path of a pickup truck, police said. He was declared dead at the scene by emergency personnel.

The accident occurred at 5:25 p.m., police said. Gaul's wife, Pauline, 52, was taken to Valley Hospital in Palmer, and treated for cuts and abrasions.

Daniel Davis, 52, of Wasilla, who was the driver and only occupant of the 1993 Dodge pickup truck, suffered internal injuries in the crash, according to police. He was also transported to Valley Hospital.

Wasilla police officer Joel Smith said the investigation into the fatal collision is continuing. However, neither speed nor alcohol appear to be factors, Smith said.

"So far the indication is this is an unfortunate accident," Smith said. "I understand Mr. Gaul was a careful driver."

Smith said there were no skid marks visible before Gaul's car struck the Davis' pickup truck, indicating that neither driver was

speeding.

The intersection at Spruce and Lucille is known to be a dangerous area for drivers, Smith said. It is located at a crest on the hill.

"You almost have to pull right into the intersection for anyone to see you," Smith said.

It is still unclear if the drivers or passenger were wearing seat belts when the accident occurred, Smith said.