Trooper involved in Park accident

Denali National Park rangers responded Sunday to an accident on the Parks Highway within the park boundaries. The accident is still under investigation.

The Denali National Park Rangers responded to a collision at milepost 235 on the George Parks Highway on Sunday at noon.

Alaska State Trooper Hazelaar was involved in a collision with a tractor trailer in the northbound lane when the tractor trailer slowed at the railroad tracks. National Park rangers were called to the scene and are in charge of the investigation since it is inside National Park boundaries.

Visibility Sunday morning was extremely poor due to blowing snow. The trooper collided with the rear end of the tractor trailer as it slowed down for the rail crossing. Trooper Hazelaar was transported by Healy ambulance to Clear Air Force base with serious injuries. He was evacuated by Guardflight from Clear to Fairbanks.

Rangers are continuing the investigation.