Portage, AK (May 27, 2026) – Three people lost their lives Monday afternoon after a serious roadway incident near Mile 80 of the Seward Highway close to Portage.
According to published reports, the collision involved a motorcycle and a Subaru Crosstrek shortly after 3:40 p.m. on Monday, May 25. When emergency units arrived, the Subaru was fully engulfed in flames.
The driver of the Subaru, one passenger, and the motorcyclist were all pronounced dead at the scene. The identities of those who died had not been publicly released as of Wednesday.
Traffic along the Seward Hwy was shut down for about seven hours while crews cleared the roadway and investigators examined the site. Northbound traffic reportedly backed up for miles before the highway reopened around 11 p.m.
Investigators are still working to determine what led to the collision. We extend our heartfelt condolences to the families and friends mourning this tragic loss.
Why Major Highway Closures Often Follow Fatal Roadway Collisions
When a deadly roadway collision happens on a major highway, closures can last for several hours while crews work safely around damaged vehicles and debris. Traffic control measures are often needed to protect people traveling through the area and to allow cleanup operations to continue without interruption.
Investigators may also document tire marks, vehicle positions, roadway conditions, and visibility at the time of the collision. In cases involving motorcycles, examiners sometimes review helmet use, vehicle speed, and whether fire or mechanical failure contributed to the outcome.
Long highway shutdowns can create significant backups, especially during busy travel weekends. Drivers may experience delays for many miles while alternate routes are established. In remote areas, reopening a highway can take longer because of travel distances, limited lighting, and cleanup equipment availability.
