Two dead in head-on collision in Marion

Two people were killed in a head-on collision in Marion Saturday evening.

Montana Highway Patrol was dispatched to U.S. 2 West at mile-marker 101 around 7:58 p.m.

According to Montana Highway Patrol, a 1999 Chevy Silverado driven by a 55-year-old Kalispell man was traveling the wrong way — westbound in an eastbound lane. A 2001 Dodge Dakota, driven by a 39-year-old Kalispell man, was heading eastbound in the correct lane.

Both vehicles reportedly swerved into the westbound lane to avoid collision, but hit each other head on.

The 55-year-old Kalispell man was injured and taken to Kalispell Regional Medical Center. It was unknown if he was wearing a seatbelt.

The 39-year-old Kalispell man was pronounced dead on the scene. A passenger in his vehicle, a 32-year-old Kalispell woman, also died. Both the driver and passenger were reportedly not wearing seat belts.

Alcohol use is suspected to be a factor in the collision.

Names have not been released.

Reporter Hilary Matheson may be reached at 758-4431 or hmatheson@dailyinterlake.com.