Woman killed in crash

A Columbia Falls woman died after two cars collided and one of them burst into flames on U.S. 2 near Glacier Park International Airport on Thursday evening.

Sara June Carter, 22, was pronounced dead at Kalispell Regional Medical Center about an hour after the 8:13 p.m. accident, according to sheriff's Sgt. Lance Norman, a deputy Flathead County coroner.

Carter was a passenger in a Hyundai traveling south when a pickup started to make a U-turn in front of them. Montana Highway Patrol trooper Jerril Ren said investigators believe six teenagers were riding in the pickup.

He was unable to confirm reports that the pickup was being driven by a 15-year-old boy.

The pickup left the scene after the accident, Ren said.

The Hyundai's driver swerved into the northbound lane to avoid the pickup when it collided head on with Ford Taurus.

The Hyundai skidded across the roadway and burst into flames. Carter was pulled from the burning car by other drivers who stopped to help.

She was taken to the Kalispell Regional Medical Center emergency room by Three Rivers EMS, where she was pronounced dead at 9:31 p.m.

The Hyundai's 23-year-old driver sustained only minor injuries. He was taken by ambulance to Kalispell Regional Medical Center where he was treated and released. The Taurus' 47-year-old driver also sustained minor injuries. He was taken to North Valley Hospital by private vehicle, where he was treated and released. Nobody in the pickup truck was injured, Ren said.

Not all parties involved in the accident have been contacted, and the crash is still under investigation, Ren said.

After the investigation is complete, the Montana Highway Patrol will forward their findings to the Flathead County Attorney's Office, where prosecutors will determine whether or not to file charges.

There have been 135 traffic related fatalities in Montana this year, 11 of which have occurred in Flathead County.

Reporter Nicholas Ledden can be reached at 758-4441 or by e-mail at nledden@dailyinterlake.com