KALISPELL, MT — A two-vehicle collision on US Highway 2 in Flathead County left one person dead and shut down part of the road Monday afternoon. The crash happened near mile marker 104 between Kila and Marion, according to state transportation officials.
Authorities said the wreck involved a passenger vehicle and a semi-truck and that both caught fire after the impact.
What authorities reported
The Montana Highway Patrol said the collision took place around 12:15 p.m. Monday. At first, officials said there was no word on whether anyone had been seriously hurt.
In an update released June 16, the Flathead County Sheriff’s Office said the driver of the passenger vehicle died at the scene.
Driver of semi truck survived
Officials said the semi-truck driver was able to get out of the vehicle after the fire started. That driver was treated at the scene and then taken by emergency medical services for additional care.
No other injuries were detailed in the update.
Victim identification pending
The person who died has not yet been publicly identified. Their body was taken to the Montana State Medical Examiner’s Office in Missoula, where an autopsy is planned.
The coroner’s office and the Montana Highway Patrol are continuing to investigate the crash.
Highway remained closed
The Montana Department of Transportation said part of US Highway 2 was closed because of the collision. The closure affected traffic in the stretch between Kila and Marion while crews and investigators worked the scene.
Officials said more information would be released if the investigation turns up additional details.
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