One woman was seriously injured and a man suffered minor injuries after a two-vehicle head-on collision on Montana 35 south of Woody’s on Tuesday morning. 

Around 11:30 a.m., a Montana man driving an Acura was heading southbound on Montana 35 when he crossed over into the northbound lane. 

A woman driving a southbound Ford Escort saw the approaching vehicle and attempted unsuccessfully to avoid a collision, according to Montana Highway Patrol Trooper Andy Horton. 

“The female driver saw him coming and performed some heavy breaking,” Horton said. “There were some good tire marks on the scene and she steered to the right to avoid the crash without success.” 

Both drivers had to be extricated from their vehicles and were taken by ambulance to Kalispell Regional Medical Center. The woman was wearing her seat belt and her airbag deployed, and Horton said her injuries are serious but not life-threatening. 

The man was not wearing his seat belt and hit his head on the windshield, causing a dent in the glass. He suffered minor injuries. 

The Highway Patrol was assisted by the Creston Fire Department and Bigfork Ambulance.

Horton said it was unclear why the man crossed into the opposite lane but an investigation will be conducted by the Highway Patrol. 

“It will be investigated, which would include looking to see if alcohol or drugs were part of it,” Horton said. “But that’s pretty standard on a serious crash.” 

Horton said driving conditions were good Tuesday morning and the roads were dry where the accident occurred, noting that both drivers were fortunate that their injuries weren’t more extensive considering the damage to both vehicles. 

Both lanes were blocked and traffic was detoured around the scene of the accident. Both lanes were open by 1 p.m.

Reporter Brittany Brevik may be reached at 758-4459 or by email at bbrevik@dailyinterlake.com.