Three injured, one seriously, in Parks Highway crash

A three-car collision Tuesday morning on the Parks Highway involved two Upper Valley drivers, according to the Alaska State Troopers.

The crash occurred shortly after 11:00 am near mile 52 of the highway. According to troopers 71-year-old John Hensel was driving southbound, and had either slowed or stopped to turn left off of the highway.   Troopers say Hensel’s vehicle was rear-ended by a van, driven by 62-year-old Roger Demiller of Trapper Creek. Hensel’s car was pushed into the northbound lane, where it was struck by an SUV driven by 68-year-old Ruth Strong of Talkeetna.

Hensel, whose place of residence was not identified, was trapped inside his vehicle and was removed by emergency responders. He was taken to the hospital with what troopers describe as “serious” injuries. Ruth Strong and her passenger were also transported for evaluation and treatment.