Two die in snowmachine accident along Petersville Road

Alaska State Troopers and Trapper Creek Rescue and EMS  as well as Talkeetna rescue responded to a fatal snowmachine collision very early Sunday morning along Petersville Road.

A couple from Wasilla, Kimber Velasquez, age 22, and Eric Zehnder, age 23, were riding their Skidoo Summit snowmachine back to Kroto Creek parking area about 1 oclock in the morning when they apparently left the main trail and went over a steep embankment.  Both riders were ejected from the snowmachine and hit several trees.

People riding with the couple and close to accident started CPR and called 911.  EMS arrived on the scene via LifeMed helicopter and snowmachine.

Terry Mangione of Talkeetna EMS said response was slowed due to poor cellphone coverage in the area. By the time Talkeetna rescuers got to the staging area, the two snowmachiners had been pronounced dead at the scene.

Both were wearing helmets. Alcohol appears to be a factor in the accident.  The investigation is continuing.