Traffic accident in Nikiski claims one life

A Soldotna man died Friday when his vehicle rolled into oncoming traffic in Nikiski.

Alaska State Troopers responded to Mile 21 of the Kenai Spur Highway on a report of a car crash. An investigation revealed that 23-year-old David Baldwin II of Soldotna was traveling south on the highway and attempted to pass a dump truck in a no-passing zone. Troopers say Baldwin then drove behind the dump truck to avoid oncoming traffic, but struck the dump truck’s rear tires. Troopers say this caused Baldwin’s vehicle to cross into the northbound lane and strike another vehicle.

Baldwin was pronounced dead at the scene. The driver of the dump truck was uninjured. The three occupants of the northbound vehicle were taken to the hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.

According to police, the highway was closed for about four hours after the accident.