HELENA – Two men were taken to the hospital – one in critical condition – after a semi-truck crashed head-on into an SUV Saturday afternoon on Interstate 15 in Jefferson County.
It happened around 12:45 p.m., between Montana City and Clancy. Montana Highway Patrol Trooper Brandon Uhl said the semi was going north when it crossed into the opposing lanes and hit a Toyota 4Runner.
The SUV ended up lying on its driver’s side. Montana City Volunteer Fire Department Chief Rick Abraham said the driver was trapped and had to be rescued. He was taken to St. Peter’s Health in Helena in critical condition.
The semi driver was also taken to St. Peter’s, with non-life-threatening injuries. His truck went off the road and ended up between the pavement and Prickly Pear Creek.
The crash blocked southbound lanes on I-15 for several hours. Uhl said drivers going south were redirected onto the frontage road through about 4 p.m.
Troopers are still investigating the cause of the crash. Uhl said both drivers were wearing seat belts. It is not known yet whether alcohol or drugs played a role.
