MHP investigating crash that killed 3 people near Bowman's Corner
By Sanjay Talwani - MTN News
The crash happened at about 8:45 a.m. on Highway 287, seven miles south from where it meets Route 200 at Bowman's Corner.
Nelson said that the initial investigation indicates that the
white Ford pickup truck went over the center line. (MTN News photo)
Approximate location (MTN News image)
NEAR BOWMAN'S CORNER, MONTANA -
Three people died and five others were injured in a head-on collision south south of Bowman's Corner on Wednesday.
It happened at about 8:45 a.m. Wednesday on Highway 287, seven miles south of where it meets Route 200 at Bowman's Corner.
A grey pickup truck with Lewis & Clark County plates was driving north, pulling a trailer with large round hay bales.
Sgt. Jay Nelson of the Montana Highway Patrol said that evidence at scene and witness statements indicate that the other pickup truck -- a white 2001 Ford with Arizona plates -- was southbound, but entered the northbound lane to some degree.
The Ford had six people in it; three of them died at the scene. Their names have not yet been released.
The crash and investigation blocked the two-lane, 70-mph highway for hours. Through-traffic was blocked from entering it at I-15 north of Wolf Creek and also at Bowman's Corner.
Nelson said it wasn't clear how far the Ford drifted into the oncoming lane.
He said the drivers of both vehicles survived and were questioned in Great Falls. Blood was drawn for analysis, which is legally required of drivers involved in fatal crashes.
Nelson said the state Motor Carrier Services agency was checking out the flatbed hay trailer to see if it was functioning property.
A Lewis & Clark County Attorney was also on the scene; it is not yet known if anyone will be charged for the crash.
Nelson said three crash reconstructionists were on the scene, but the investigation may not be complete for weeks.
The preliminary investigation suggested no one was thrown from either vehicle. It is not yet clear how many people involved were using seat belts.
The crash left both trucks severely damaged. The topper and personal items from the white Ford were scattered alongside the road.
Of the five people injured, two were airlifted -- by Summit Air Ambulance and Mercy Flight -- to Benefis Health System in Great Falls.
The three others were taken by ambulance to Benefis and St. Peter's Hospital in Helena. Nelson described the injuries as serious but not life-threatening.
Also at the scene were emergency responders from the Wolf Creek-Craig Fire Service Area; the I-15 Quick Response Unit, St. Peter's Ambulance, Augusta Ambulance, the Lewis and Clark County Sheriffs Office and the Montana Department of Transportation, as well as Lewis and Clark County Coroner Mickey Nelson.
We will update you as we get more information.
It happened at about 8:45 a.m. Wednesday on Highway 287, seven miles south of where it meets Route 200 at Bowman's Corner.
A grey pickup truck with Lewis & Clark County plates was driving north, pulling a trailer with large round hay bales.
Sgt. Jay Nelson of the Montana Highway Patrol said that evidence at scene and witness statements indicate that the other pickup truck -- a white 2001 Ford with Arizona plates -- was southbound, but entered the northbound lane to some degree.
The Ford had six people in it; three of them died at the scene. Their names have not yet been released.
The crash and investigation blocked the two-lane, 70-mph highway for hours. Through-traffic was blocked from entering it at I-15 north of Wolf Creek and also at Bowman's Corner.
Nelson said it wasn't clear how far the Ford drifted into the oncoming lane.
He said the drivers of both vehicles survived and were questioned in Great Falls. Blood was drawn for analysis, which is legally required of drivers involved in fatal crashes.
Nelson said the state Motor Carrier Services agency was checking out the flatbed hay trailer to see if it was functioning property.
A Lewis & Clark County Attorney was also on the scene; it is not yet known if anyone will be charged for the crash.
Nelson said three crash reconstructionists were on the scene, but the investigation may not be complete for weeks.
The preliminary investigation suggested no one was thrown from either vehicle. It is not yet clear how many people involved were using seat belts.
The crash left both trucks severely damaged. The topper and personal items from the white Ford were scattered alongside the road.
Of the five people injured, two were airlifted -- by Summit Air Ambulance and Mercy Flight -- to Benefis Health System in Great Falls.
The three others were taken by ambulance to Benefis and St. Peter's Hospital in Helena. Nelson described the injuries as serious but not life-threatening.
Also at the scene were emergency responders from the Wolf Creek-Craig Fire Service Area; the I-15 Quick Response Unit, St. Peter's Ambulance, Augusta Ambulance, the Lewis and Clark County Sheriffs Office and the Montana Department of Transportation, as well as Lewis and Clark County Coroner Mickey Nelson.
We will update you as we get more information.