Two injured in Parks Highway collision |
| December 31, 2013 |
| While details are sketchy and investigation continues, two
men were injured in a two-vehicle collision that shut down Parks
Highway and bringing in LifeMed near mile 132 for a time Monday evening. The collision, reported at 5:55 p.m., she said, involved a 2009 Nissan Ultima driven by Mattew Hakin, 38, Wasilla, and a 2008 Honda Civic driven by Calvin Samuel, 20, a soldier stationed at Fort Wainwright, originally from Texas. According to Alaska State Troopers, both vehicles were southbound when Samuel veered into the southbound ditch and became stuck, and was then hit in the rear by Hakin. Bad road and weather conditions were factors in the crash, troopers said, with slicky icy road surfaces compounded by a stiff wind. The accident happened as both were driving out of a downhill curve. Hakin was unconscious and unresponsive when troopers arrived, prompting concerns that his injuries were grave. Both were the sole occupants of the vehicles, and both suffered injury. Hakin was transported to Mat-Su Regional Hospital by LifeMed helicopter with serious injuries, Samuel was transported to the same facility by ambulance. Fortunately, Hakin regained consciousness while the helicopter was en route; troopers say it appears both men will make full recoveries. |