Victims of car-motorcycle crash improving

The two Bitterroot Valley residents who suffered major injuries during a motorcycle crash on Montana 35 Wednesday are improving under continued medical care, according to a Kalispell Regional Medical Center spokeswoman.

Mark and Karen Cartwright are still in the Intensive Care Unit after a car collided with the Harley Davidson they were riding near Broeder Loop at about 11:30 a.m. Wednesday.

They were taken to the hospital with what the Montana Highway Patrol described as massive trauma to their lower extremities. Their conditions have stabilized, though medical treatment continues, according to the hospital.

The couple, both in their 50s, were struck after a 78-year-old Kalispell woman attempted to make a left turn while traveling in the oncoming lane. The vehicle collided with the side of the motorcycle, striking both Mark and Karen Cartwright.

The driver of the Ford Crown Victoria was not injured.

She was expected to face a traffic citation, according to the highway patrol.

The collision happened near milepost 40.