Pickup driver charged with DUI in collision that killed pedestrian

A woman died Friday night when she was hit by a pickup truck whose driver had a blood alcohol level nearly twice the legal limit, the Anchorage Police Department said.

The pickup truck, driven by 29-year-old Lagiula Mauga, was headed westbound on Third Avenue when it struck the woman sometime before 5:25 p.m., police said in a statement. The woman had apparently “emerged from a group of people on the side of the road” and crossed in front of the truck, according to police.

The woman, who has not been identified, was pronounced dead at the scene.

Mauga was arrested and charged with driving under the influence. She has no prior criminal history in Alaska, according to court records.

Third Avenue between Post Road and Ingra Street was temporarily shut down while police were on the scene. The road reopened just after 8:30 p.m. Friday.

Check back for updates on this developing story.