Missoula, MT – A fatal crash on Sunday evening near Laurel left one man dead and several others injured, according to a report from the Montana Highway Patrol (MHP). The accident occurred around 4:00 p.m. on a dry and clear stretch of highway.
MHP officials stated that a semi-truck, driven by a 39-year-old man, was traveling west when it suddenly crossed the median and entered the eastbound lane. The truck collided with a Volkswagen Rabbit driven by a 19-year-old woman, who was accompanied by a 20-year-old passenger. The driver of the Rabbit sustained injuries and was rushed to Billings Clinic for treatment.
The semi-truck continued in the eastbound lane, striking a second vehicle, a Chevrolet Suburban. The impact of the crash caused the death of the 56-year-old male driver of the Suburban, a resident of Laurel. His passengers, including an uninjured 45-year-old woman, an injured 16-year-old girl, and an uninjured 18-year-old man, all from Laurel, were also in the vehicle at the time of the crash.
Authorities have confirmed that the roads were clear and dry, ruling out weather-related factors. The cause of the semi-truck crossing into oncoming traffic remains under investigation, though MHP reports that drugs, alcohol, and speed do not appear to be contributing factors.
The names of the individuals involved have not yet been released, and the investigation into the incident is ongoing.
