MHP Provides Details on Double Fatal Crash Near Evaro

Missoula, MT (KGVO-AM News) - On Friday, January 3, just before 4:00 p.m., two persons were killed in a multi-vehicle accident on Highway 93 near Evaro.

I spoke with Montana Highway Patrol Sergeant and Public Information Officer John Metcalf about what led to the fatal crash.

“Vehicle one was headed southbound, and there was a vehicle behind that and there were two vehicles headed north,” began Sergeant Metcalf. “Vehicle one was a commercial motor vehicle that had a trailer, and as they were driving south, the trailer started to jackknife,  and that caused vehicle one to rotate and cross the double yellow line. The vehicle that was headed north crashed into that trailer, and the occupants of that first northbound vehicle were both unfortunately pronounced dead on arrival.”

Metcalf said the crash involved inclement weather and icy, slushy road conditions.

“This happened on January 3 at around 1556 hours (3:56 p.m.). It's still under investigation, and it's a very complex crash, but right now, the road conditions were listed as wet, icy and slushy, and speed is suspected to have played a role. At this time, alcohol and drugs are not suspected.”

I asked Sergeant Metcalf what lessons other drivers can learn from this tragic accident.

“I think something really important is checking the road conditions before you head out on a on a trip,” he said. The Montana D O T (Department of Transportation) has a great app that will show road conditions. It shows little pictures of the cameras that are throughout the state, and can give you a heads up on crashes, too. That way, if the shortest route is really icy, maybe there's an alternative route that has much better road conditions.”

Metcalf also said common sense will help determine the speed a driver should use on slick roads during winter conditions.

“Just because a speed limit says 70 miles an hour, if it's covered in ice or slush, you don't have to drive 70,” he said. “You should drive it at a speed where you can still control your vehicle, and then also making sure you have a lot of following distance when you're driving behind another vehicle, especially when it's icy. That way, if they lose control and you're traveling behind them that you have enough time for you to come to a (safe) stop.”

The Missoula County Sheriff’s Office told KGVO News that the identities of the crash victims won’t be released until later this week, pending notification of next of kin.