8:30 pm update:
Beth Ipsen with the Alaska State Troopers said at this time there is no update on the accident which closed the highway just after noon today.
She said there is no estimate as to when the highway may be reopened.
We will publish when the road is reopened.
3:30 pm update:
Seven vehicles were involved in the fatal accident that closed the Seward Highway at Mile 80 just after noon today.
One person has been confirmed to be dead and at least three others were critically injured in the accident.
A tour bus was involved however the number of passengers is unclear.
The highway will be closed until at least 8:00 pm according to Troopers.
Original Post:
The Seward Highway is closed at Mile 80 in the Portage area due to a multiple vehicle accident.
Witnesses say the sign near Girdwood states that the road can be closed for six to eight hours.
Megan Peters with the Alaska State Troopers…
Peters: “At about 12:18 pm we got a first call about a multi-vehicle wreck which is on the highway at about Mile 80, which is right where the wildlife conservation center is, approximately in that area. So we do have Troopers that are responding as well as EMS and other responders trying to take care of the people on scene first.”
Peters confirmed that one of the vehicles involved in the accident is a tour bus.
She said no details on how many people were in the bus have been relayed to her yet.
At least one person has serious injuries and Troopers stated at least one LifeMed air ambulance was on scene to transport patients.
We will update this story as more information becomes available.
