Three die, two hurt in Babb rollover

Three people died in a single-car rollover near Babb east of Glacier National Park on Monday evening.

The crash occurred on Duck Lake Road just east of U.S. 89.

Montana Highway Patrol Trooper Michael Jensen confirmed that a man, woman and 5-year-old boy were killed in the crash. A 1-year-old boy was in critical condition and flown to Great Falls via Mercy Flight.

A 2-year-old girl was taken to the hospital in Browning with minor injuries.

Jensen said that speed was a factor in the crash. It isn’t yet known if alcohol was involved, but he said that alcohol containers were found around the scene.

“Not sure at this time whether they were new or old,” Jensen said.

The vehicle had Washington state plates and the adults had Washington IDs, according to Jensen. But the driver was a Blackfeet tribal member and authorities believe they were living in Babb.

The vehicle rolled several times and was found dozens of yards off of the road. Four of the five were ejected from the vehicle and were not wearing seat belts, including the young children, Jensen said.

A child’s car seat was hanging out of the vehicle’s window when authorities arrived.

“The 1-year-old was probably in a car seat, but he was not buckled into a car seat and the car seat was not buckled to the car,” he said.

The identities of the occupants have not yet been released. Montana Highway Patrol is still investigating the incident.

Reporter Matt Hudson may be reached at 758-4459 or by email at mhudson@dailyinterlake.com.