A head-on collision involving two vehicles on the Seward Highway south of Girdwood, Alaska, sent six people to Anchorage for medical treatment Friday afternoon, September 4, 2026. The crash temporarily closed both directions of the highway as emergency crews responded to the scene.

The collision was reported at approximately 3 p.m. near mile 86 of the Seward Highway, about four miles south of Girdwood. Officials said two vehicles were involved in the crash, which resulted in a temporary shutdown of the roadway in both directions.

Michelle Weston, chief of Girdwood Fire and Rescue, said six people were being transported to Anchorage for treatment. Authorities had not immediately released the identities of those involved or provided detailed information about the extent of their injuries.

Head-On Crash Causes Temporary Highway Closure

The collision prompted a major emergency response, with firefighters, medical personnel and other responders working at the scene. Both directions of the Seward Highway were blocked while crews treated those injured and addressed the aftermath of the crash.

Despite the seriousness of the collision, officials said the incident was not being investigated as a fatal crash. The highway closure was expected to be temporary while emergency personnel worked to clear the scene.

The roadway was subsequently reopened. The Anchorage Police Department confirmed that traffic had resumed at approximately 4:37 p.m., ending the immediate travel disruption along the highway.

The Seward Highway is a major transportation corridor connecting Anchorage with communities and destinations farther south. A complete closure can quickly create significant delays for motorists, particularly when both directions are affected.

Cause of Seward Highway Crash Remains Unknown

Authorities had not immediately explained what caused the two vehicles to collide head-on. Officials had not said which vehicle entered the opposing lane or whether weather, road conditions, driver error or another factor contributed to the collision.

The current conditions of the six people transported to Anchorage had also not been publicly released as of the latest update. While all six required medical treatment, authorities had not provided further information about the severity of their injuries.

The reopening of the highway allowed traffic to resume through the Girdwood area later Friday afternoon. However, investigators continued documenting the incident and examining the circumstances surrounding the collision.

For the families and friends of those involved, the crash was a frightening event that resulted in six people requiring medical care. Although no fatalities were reported, the head-on collision demonstrated the serious consequences that can result from crashes on major highways.

The investigation remains ongoing. Additional information about the injured individuals, their conditions and the circumstances that led to the Seward Highway crash may be released as authorities continue their work.