Great Falls, MT – A woman was killed and a man injured following a car crash near Libby on Tuesday morning, after their vehicle swerved to avoid colliding with an elk. The accident occurred at approximately 7 a.m. along U.S. Highway 2, about 30 miles southeast of Libby, in Lincoln County.
According to the Montana Highway Patrol (MHP), the two individuals, both from Libby, were traveling eastbound in a Toyota Camry. The 68-year-old male driver and his 70-year-old female passenger were reportedly driving when an elk suddenly ran in front of their vehicle. In an attempt to avoid the animal, the driver braked and swerved to the right, causing the car to slide off the road, crash into an embankment, and roll.
The female passenger was ejected from the vehicle during the crash and died at the scene. Her identity has not yet been released by authorities. The male driver was transported to a local hospital with injuries, though the severity of his condition has not been disclosed.
The MHP report indicated that neither speed nor impaired driving appeared to be factors in the crash. However, it was noted that the road was wet at the time of the incident. Additionally, the report confirmed that neither occupant was wearing a seatbelt at the time of the collision.
This tragic event serves as a reminder of the dangers posed by wildlife on roadways, especially in rural areas, and the critical importance of wearing seatbelts while driving. Authorities continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding the crash.
Further updates will be provided as more information becomes available.
