Mat-Su

3-car crash on Parks Highway near Wasilla injures 3

WASILLA -- A three-car crash on the Parks Highway near Mile 50 briefly closed both lanes of the highway and injured three people, one of them seriously, according to Alaska State Troopers.

The accident, in the Meadow Lakes area west of Wasilla, was first reported at 11:10 a.m. Tuesday, troopers said. A silver sedan driven south by 71-year-old John Hensel was slowing or stopped to turn left when it was rear-ended by a van driven by 62-year-old Roger Demiller of Trapper Creek.

The collision pushed the sedan into oncoming traffic, where it was hit by a Honda SUV driven by 68-year-old Ruth Strong of Talkeetna, troopers said.

Hensel sustained serious injuries and had to be extricated from the sedan, authorities said. The SUV's driver and passenger were evaluated at Mat-Su Regional Medical Center for possible treatment. Demiller declined to be taken to a hospital. He was cited for negligent driving.

Zaz Hollander

Zaz Hollander is a veteran journalist based in the Mat-Su and is currently an ADN local news editor and reporter. She covers breaking news, the Mat-Su region, aviation and general assignments. Contact her at zhollander@adn.com.

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