PUBLIC SAFETY BRIEFS: June 7, 2017

Man dies in construction accident

WASILLA — A 42-year old man is dead following a Friday morning construction accident.

Alaska State Troopers’ (AST) dispatch report Vyacheslav Palko died following the incident reported around 9:30 a.m. at a residence off Wasilla-Fishhook Road. Scanner reports stated Palko fell approximately 15 feet hitting his head upon landing.

According to AST spokesperson Megan Peters, police believe Palko was up on scaffolding painting a ceiling when he somehow fell.

“We do not know when he fell or how long he had been on the floor,” Peters said. “The incident wasn’t witnessed.”

Troopers and EMS personnel responded, finding Palko unresponsive.

“(Although) CPR was given before EMS arrived on scene, it was not continued,” Peters said.

The State Medical Examiner responded to the scene, and the next of kin was notified. Troopers continue an investigation into the accident but at present, no foul play is suspected.

66-year-old man critically injured in Trapper Creek wreck

A 66-year old California man was critically injured Sunday morning in a two-vehicle accident near Trapper Creek.

Alaska State Troopers’ dispatch stated William R. Netro was transported to an Anchorage hospital via Life-Med after the 2017 Chevrolet Traverse he was driving crossed the centerline and sideswiped a northbound one-ton pickup truck. The incident occurred near mile 129 of Parks Highway. Troopers state the impact caused both vehicles to overturn multiple times.

Troopers stated a passenger and two occupants in the pickup were transported to an area hospital via ambulance with reported minor injuries. Both vehicles were totaled in the accident and police continue investigating the crash.