Woman hospitalized after head-on accident

HOUSTON — One woman was hospitalized following a head-on collision near Mile 55, Parks Highway Sunday afternoon.

Alaska State Troopers with the Bureau of Highway Patrol, South Central Team, Talkeetna Patrol Troopers and Mat-Su Borough Emergency Services responded to the collision at 4:33 p.m., Oct. 7 at Mile 66, Parks Hwy., according to a trooper statement.

Troopers’ say Leeann Rodgers, 55, of Houston was driving her 1986 Toyota Camry northbound on the Parks Highway when she crossed the centerline and crashed into an oncoming vehicle.

Ronald Palmer, 75, of Wasilla was piloting a 2005 Volkswagen southbound when Rodgers crossed into his lane of travel on a stretch of roadway with guardrails on both sides.

Palmer attempted to avoid the collision by striking the guardrail but was unable to avoid the collision entirely. He was transported by emergency services to Mat-Su Regional Medical Center for treatment of minor injuries. He was reportedly wearing his seat belt during the accident.

Rodgers sustained serious injuries and was transported by emergency services to Mat-Su Regional Medical Center. She was later transferred to Anchorage Regional Hospital where she was reportedly in critical condition. Rodgers was wearing a safety belt at the time of the collision.

Troopers’ investigation is continuing, but they say a medical emergency or distracted driving was the likely cause of the crash. Alcohol is not suspected as a factor.