Two women killed in Friday KGB collision

A three-vehicle collision at Mile 7.5 of Knik-Goose Bay Road claimed the lives of two women Friday afternoon.

According to an online Alaska State Trooper dispatch, 36-year-old Laurie Carroll-Bakk of Wasilla and 26-year-old Brooke Gilpin of Douglas died after their vehicle was struck from behind and pushed into oncoming traffic while attempting to turn off KGB onto Compass Drive around 2:57 p.m. According to reports, the initial collision forced Carroll-Bakk’s 1998 Saturn SL into the opposing lane, where it was struck by a Dodge 5500 truck.

Police stated Caroll-Bakk was the driver and Gilpin a passenger in the sedan. Neither were wearing seatbelts at the time of the crash and police stated alcohol or drugs do not appear to be contributing factors. The road was closed and traffic rerouted through the Victoria Estates subdivision while officers investigated and cleared the scene. The state Medical Examiner’s office responded and next of kin were notified.

No citations have been issued and police investigation continues.

Eagle River woman dies in Parks rollover

A 31-year-old Eagle River woman died and two other people were injured as a result of a single-vehicle rollover Thursday on the Parks Highway near Trapper Creek.

According to Alaska State Troopers, Karen Benjamin, the driver of a 2008 Ford F-350, died as a result of the rollover, which occurred around 3:45 p.m. Two passengers, 59-year-old Larry Benjamin and 61-year old Karen Benjamin, were injured. Troopers and a park ranger responded to Mile 120.5 of the Parks Highway and discovered the pickup. According to reports, the Ford was southbound when the driver lost control on the icy road surface. The vehicle crossed the highway, entered the ditch in the opposite lane of traffic and came to rest on its roof.

Troopers reported that Karen and Larry Benjamin were wearing seatbelts. Karen Benjamin was not restrained, according to troopers, and was ejected from the back seat. Larry Benjamin had to be extricated from the vehicle and was taken by EMS to Mat-Su Regional Medical Center. Katherine Benjamin was transported by helicopter to Providence Alaska Medical Center with serious injuries. The state Medical Examiner was contacted and an autopsy will be conducted on the driver. Next of kin was notified.