Missoula, MT – A 17-year-old boy from Laurel, Montana, died early Tuesday morning in a single-vehicle rollover crash on Interstate 90, just west of the city. According to the Montana Highway Patrol (MHP), the fatal accident occurred shortly after midnight when the teen was traveling eastbound in a Ford Focus.
The MHP reports that the driver missed a curve just past the west Laurel exit and drove into the median. The vehicle struck a post before re-entering the roadway, where the driver lost control. The car then flipped several times.
Authorities said the teen was ejected from the vehicle, as he was not wearing a seat belt. He was pronounced dead at the scene.
The crash remains under investigation, and while it is not yet confirmed, troopers suspect that alcohol and drugs may have been factors in the incident.
The teen was the sole occupant of the vehicle. His identity has not been released pending notification of family members.
This tragic accident serves as a reminder of the importance of wearing seat belts and the dangers of impaired driving. Authorities urge all drivers to exercise caution and responsibility while on the road.
