Seward Highway crash leaves one dead, several injured

A multi-vehicle crash on the Seward Highway Friday has left one person dead and several others injured.

According to Alaska State Troopers, the crash was reported just after noon on Friday, at mile 80 of the highway in Girdwood.

A tour bus traveling north on the Seward highway reportedly hit another northbound vehicle which was stopped, waiting for cars to turn into the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center.

It caused a pileup involving the bus and five vehicles, two of which were towing trailers.

Alaska Dispatch News reports Alaska Tour & Travel operates the Park Connection Motorcoach involved in the crash. It services national park areas and was headed from Seward to Anchorage with 42 passengers on board.

Troopers responded to the crash along with the Anchorage Police Department and Girdwood Fire Department.

55-year old John Zollner III was pronounced dead on scene. Next of kin was also on scene and was notified.

Two other people were transported by Life Med helicopter to Anchorage with serious injuries. Additional motorists were transported to nearby medical centers with less serious injuries.

According to Troopers, an investigation is underway. Commercial Motor Vehicle inspectors are assisting.

The road remained closed for about 10 hours, backing up traffic until late evening.

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