A head-on car crash sent multiple people to the hospital and shut down U.S. 2 for nearly an hour Friday afternoon.

The wreck involved a blue Oldsmobile Bravada and a white Dodge Ram Pickup and occurred on U.S. 2 northeast of Kalispell at the Rose Crossing intersection at about 2:35 p.m. Friday.

Multiple agencies responded, including the Kalispell and Evergreen fire departments and Montana Highway Patrol.

The three people involved in the crash sustained serious injuries and all had to be extricated from their vehicles, according to Montana Highway Patrol Trooper Laramie Stefani. The victims were transported to Kalispell Regional Medical Center.

“It was a very serious crash and we are thankful they are alive,” said Trooper Stefani.

The accident was under investigation Friday evening. It appeared that the Oldsmobile was heading northbound when it came across the highway and collided with the southbound pickup, said Stefani.

The driver and passenger of the Dodge Ram were wearing a seatbelt. It is unknown if the driver of the Bravada was wearing one, according to Stefani.

The Montana Highway Patrol is investigating whether alcohol or speed played a factor in the crash.

Minor damage occurred to other vehicles. Traffic was delayed until about 4:30 p.m. Friday when the road was re-opened.

Reporter Breeana Laughlin can be reached at 758-4441 or blaughlin@dailyinterlake.com.