News Release

George Parks Highway Briefly Closed Due to Vehicle Accident

Date: August 15, 2019
Contact: G.W. Hitchcock, Public Information Officer, [phone]

At approximately 8:30 a.m. on Thursday, August 15, the Alaska Region Communications Center received a call alerting them to a vehicle accident at Mile Post 231 on Parks Highway. Park rangers responded to find 2 vehicles, containing a total of 9 passengers, had collided.

Due to the number of passengers involved, ambulances from Denali National Park, the Tri-Valley Fire Department, and the Cantwell Fire Department responded to the scene. Though multiple injuries were sustained, everyone involved was lucid at the scene. Patients were sent by ambulance to Fairbanks for treatment and further evaluation. 

Vehicles were removed and the highway was reopened at approximately 10 a.m. A unit from the Division of Alaska State Troopers assisted at the scene.

Mile Post 231 is in the McKinley Village area, within the park boundary. Nearby landmarks are the Nenana River Bridge No. 694 and the intersection of Old Parks Highway.

The area has experienced an extended period of inclement weather, we encourage visitors to be extra cautious when driving under wet conditions and when there is limited visibility. We also would like to remind visitors that the park does operate a 911 emergency call service, but that many areas of the park have limited or no cell reception.