Six people were injured and hospitalized after a two-vehicle accident on Highway 12 not far from Lolo on Saturday afternoon, November 30.

Montana Highway Patrol Trooper Robert Strauch was first on the scene, and described what happened just before 4 p.m. on Saturday near mile marker 20 on Highway 12.

"According to the witnesses in the car, they were overtaken by a vehicle that was traveling at probably double their speed," Strauch said. "When he swerved back into their lane, he collided with the first vehicle and forced it off the road, causing that vehicle to roll. The passing vehicle eventually became airborne and struck down hard some distance away, and that driver ended up being the most seriously injured of all involved."

Strauch said there was a wide range of injuries in the crash.

"There was a broken arm, and I know the driver that caused the crash had a couple of severely fractured vertebra," Strauch said. "Life Flight was called out for one individual, and local ambulances transported the other five to St. Patrick Hospital and Community Medical Center."

Strauch said both speed and alcohol were both contributing factors in the accident.

"It is believed the driver of the passing vehicle was speeding and intoxicated, and he could be charged with misdemeanor DUI, as well as felony negligent vehicular assault," Straugh said. "All but one person were wearing their seat belts."

The accident is still under investigation by the Montana Highway Patrol, and no names have yet been released.

Montana Highway Patrol Trooper Robert Strauch

 

 

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