FRANKLYWNOW - UPDATE: 2 seriously injured in collision with semi, Parks Highwa

Two people were hospitalized following a crash involving a semi truck on the George Parks Highway near Mile 51.

The crash was reported at 11:01 a.m. by an Alaska State Trooper, AST spokesperson Megan Peters wrote in an email Tuesday. Carl Wilbur, 72, was reportedly traveling southbound in the semi when he lost control of the vehicle while trying to slow down to avoid another vehicle that had pulled out on the highway, according to an online dispatch. A northbound Ford F-150, driven by 68-year-old Beverly Marple, crashed into the side of the semi, which had “jack-knifed across the road.”

Marple was entrapped in the vehicle, according to the dispatch. She was freed and transported to a hospital with life-threatening injuries. Her passenger, 71-year-old Allen Marple, also suffered serious injuries and was taken to a hospital. Wilbur reported no injuries.

The highway was closed until roughly 3:15 p.m. as emergency crews and medics remained on scene, according to troopers. Traffic was diverted around the crash site, Peters said.

Troopers are continuing their investigation into the crash.

Check back for updates on this developing story. 

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Road Condition Update:

Department of Transportation officials are urging drivers to continue using caution Tuesday.

Public Information Officer Shannon McCarthy says conditions are better than yesterday, but a rain and snow mix is causing slick roads. She says the temperature hovering in the upper 20’s is also making things icy.

DOT crews are out sanding and clearing roads. McCarthy reminds drivers to slow down and give themselves plenty of space to stop.

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