Man killed in Montana 82 collision

An area man died in a two-vehicle, head-on traffic accident Monday evening in Flathead County.

According to Montana Highway Patrol Trooper Bob Hensley, the man, who was described as being in his late 30s, was driving a pickup east on Montana 82 near the Flathead River bridge when the vehicle crossed into the westbound lane and collided with a BNSF Railway commercial truck.

The man has not been identified.

The driver of the commercial truck was not injured, but the man driving the pickup died at the scene.

According to Hensley, speed or alcohol is not believed to be a factor in the crash. It wasn’t immediately known if the man who died was wearing a seat belt.

The highway was closed for about four hours.

Hensley said the investigation into the crash will continue.

Reporter Scott Shindledecker may be reached at 406-758-4441 or sshindledecker@dailyinterlake.com