MISSOULA – Two fatalities were reported in a head-on collision on Interstate 90 late Saturday night involving wrong-way travel.
The crash occurred at approximately 10:36 p.m. when a vehicle traveling eastbound in the westbound lanes collided head-on with a westbound vehicle in the left lane, according to the Montana Highway Patrol (MHP).
A 23-year-old man driving a Hyundai Veloster was pronounced dead at the scene, as was a 26-year-old woman from Arlee operating a Mazda 6. Both vehicles were significantly damaged; the Mazda rotated and came to rest on the shoulder, while the Hyundai overturned in the median, ejecting its driver, who was not wearing a seatbelt. The Hyundai subsequently caught fire.
Authorities suspect alcohol may have been a contributing factor in the incident.
Westbound traffic was diverted from Airway Boulevard to the Wye on I-90 until 2 a.m., according to the Missoula County Sheriff's Office. The investigation into the crash continues.