Woman killed in car-semi collision in Palmer

One woman died while a toddler, a teenager and truck driver were taken to the hospital Thursday night after a two-vehicle crash in Palmer that closed the Glenn Highway for seven hours.

According to a press release from the Palmer Police Department, around 8:45 p.m. officers and emergency medical personnel responded to the intersection of the Glenn Highway and Arctic Avenue in Palmer, where a 2013 Chevy Spark, driven by 16-year-old Palmer girl, was involved in a collision with a 2000 Peterbilt semi towing a trailer. The truck, which had no other passengers, was driven by 43-year-old Anchorage resident Randy Sparks.

A passenger in the Spark, 31-year-old Wasilla resident Kimberly Hall, died at the scene, according to police, while Hall’s 18-month-old daughter was taken by ambulance to Mat-Su Regional Medical Center, where she was listed in stable condition.

The 16-year-old was transported to Providence Hospital by air ambulance, and was listed in critical but stable condition, according to the release. Sparks went to the hospital by private vehicle.

Palmer Police Chief Lance Ketterling said Friday morning that the semi was headed north on the Glenn, while the Chevrolet hatchback was headed west on Arctic Avenue. Ketterling said police have talked to the driver of the semi, but have been unable to speak with the driver of the Chevy.

Neither alcohol nor drugs appear to have been a factor in the crash, according to police, and the investigation is continuing.

“We are still sorting things out,” Ketterling said.

The Glenn Highway reopened at 3:15 a.m. Friday morning.