Fog a factor in fiery crash

Dense fog and slick roads created hazardous driving conditions Wednesday that resulted in numerous accidents.

Authorities used the Jaws of Life to extract a woman trapped in her crushed vehicle after it was hit by a log truck around 11 a.m. Wednesday near Creston.

The impact broke both her legs and injured her wrist. The 30-year-old Columbia Falls woman was transported via ALERT helicopter to Kalispell Regional Medical Center. Her injuries are serious, but not life-threatening, according to Montana Highway Patrolman David Mills .

Her Pontiac Sunbird burst into flames soon after the accident, but a quick-thinking bystander was able to extinguish the fire before officers arrived on the scene.

The woman was trapped for about half an hour before authorities were able to free her from her mostly demolished car. Impact was to the front passenger side.

The truck sustained extensive damage to the front.

The collision occurred in foggy conditions after the woman apparently tried to make a left turn across oncoming traffic on Montana 35. She was traveling southbound and told authorities she didn’t see the logging truck coming toward her in the northbound lane.

The truck was traveling approximately 60 miles per hour at the time of the crash. The truck driver, 60, of Kalispell, apparently didn’t see the woman until it was too late and had no opportunity to stop.

The woman was wearing her seatbelt, which may have saved her life, according to Mills, who was first to arrive on the scene.

The Creston Fire Department, ALERT and two other Montana Highway Patrol units also responded.

Traffic was blocked in both directions for about 45 minutes. 

There were 10 vehicle accidents reported to the Flathead County Sheriff’s Office between midnight Tuesday and 3:30 p.m. Wednesday.