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One dead and two injured in Columbia Falls crash

HILARY MATHESON | Hagadone News Network | UPDATED 5 years, 3 months AGO
by HILARY MATHESON
EDUCATION REPORTER Hilary Matheson covers education for the Daily Inter Lake. Her reporting focuses on schools, students, and the policies that shape public education across Northwest Montana. Matheson regularly reports on school boards, district decisions and issues affecting teachers and families. Her work examines how funding, enrollment and state policy influence local school systems. She helps readers understand how education decisions affect students and communities throughout the region. IMPACT: Hilary’s work provides transparency and insight into the schools that serve thousands of local families. | December 27, 2020 3:23 PM

A 30-year-old Columbia Falls man died and two women were injured in a crash on U.S. 2 at mile marker 133 on Saturday.

Montana Highway Patrol was dispatched to the scene of the two-vehicle crash at 4:15 p.m. According to troopers, the man was driving a Geo Prizm westbound on U.S. 2 when he lost control and crossed the center lane, hitting a 2017 Subaru Forester head-on. He was pronounced dead at the scene.

Driving the Subaru was a 28-year-old Columbia Falls woman. She and her passenger, a 57-year-old Columbia Falls woman, were injured and transported to Kalispell Regional Medical Center. The 28-year-old’s injuries were minor. The 57-year-old’s injuries were listed as severe, but not life-threatening, according to Montana Highway Patrol. Both were wearing seat belts.

Road conditions were listed as having patchy ice and snow. Alcohol is a suspected factor in the crash.

Reporter Hilary Matheson may be reached at 758-4431 or by email at [email protected].

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