Thursday, June 12, 2025
63.0°F

Three people die in fiery crash in Creston area

HILARY MATHESON | Hagadone News Network | UPDATED 4 years, 3 months AGO
by HILARY MATHESON
Daily Inter Lake | March 7, 2021 1:00 PM

Three people died in a fiery head-on collision on Montana 35 in the Creston area.

Montana Highway Patrol was dispatched to the scene of Montana 35 and Indian Ridge Road at 10:57 p.m. Saturday where a 28-year-old Kalispell man, a 42-year-old Dayton woman and one of her passengers, a female, whose age and residence are unknown at this time, were pronounced dead. An injured 14-year-old Dayton girl, who was also one of the woman’s passengers, was transported to Kalispell Regional Medical Center where she is listed in stable condition.

According to Montana Highway Patrol, the Kalispell man was driving a 2005 GMC Sierra 2500 northbound on Montana 35 when it crossed the centerline for an unknown reason into the southbound lane, hitting a 2016 Dodge Caravan being driven by the Dayton woman, head-on. The GMC caught fire after the crash and became engulfed in flames. The Dodge came to a rest in the center of the roadway, facing south.

It was unknown if the Kalispell man was wearing his seat belt, according to troopers. The Dayton woman and her two passengers were wearing their seat belts.

Road conditions were dry. Speed is a suspected factor in the crash.

There have been 39 traffic fatalities on Montana highways in 2021.

MORE BREAKING-NEWS STORIES

Three people die in fiery crash near Creston
Bigfork Eagle | Updated 4 years, 3 months ago
Fiery crash near Creston
Hungry Horse News | Updated 4 years, 3 months ago
Dayton woman, daughter among 3 killed in crash east of Kalispell
Lake County Leader | Updated 4 years, 3 months ago

ARTICLES BY HILARY MATHESON

Flathead County commissioners appoint new county Superintendent of Schools
June 12, 2025 midnight

Flathead County commissioners appoint new county Superintendent of Schools

Commissioners selected Marcia Stolfus, who has 18 years of experience in special education, to serve in the position.

Senior spotlight: Columbia Falls senior builds motivation and retools grades to pursue college and a career in the trades
June 6, 2025 midnight

Senior spotlight: Columbia Falls senior builds motivation and retools grades to pursue college and a career in the trades

After years of academic struggles, Columbia Falls High School senior Taven Fleming found the motivation and confidence to shift gears in pursuit of a better future. On Saturday, he will walk across the stage at graduation — his future mapped out.

May 23, 2025 midnight

Students end 2025 State Solo and Ensemble Music Festival on a high note

Area student musicians ended the Western State Solo and Ensemble Festival on a high note, receiving top scores for their performances.