Two out-of-state residents died Wednesday near Fairbanks when a large SUV went out of control while passing and collided with their vehicle head-on, Alaska State Troopers say.
The collision, reported at Mile 17.5 Chena Hot Springs Road before 5:30 p.m., occurred when a Dodge Durango SUV driven by 30-year-old Anchorage resident Darrell Burton hit frost heaves while passing at speeds of 65 to 70 mph in a 55 mph zone, troopers said in an online release.
The Durango collided head-on with a Toyota RAV4 driven by 67-year-old Thomas Bauman, of Wisconsin, troopers said. Bauman died of the injuries he suffered in the crash, as did one of his three passengers, 65-year-old Margaret Constant of New York.
They were both declared deceased at the scene after lifesaving measures failed, troopers said. Two other passengers were taken to Fairbanks Memorial Hospital by ambulance.
Burton was taken to the hospital for treatment of injuries troopers described as not life-threatening. He had one passenger who suffered minor injuries and didn’t require medical transport.
An investigation continues, troopers say.
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