Two killed in icy crash at Evaro

Two people were killed Friday, including a Columbia Falls teenager, when the vehicle they were in was struck by a semi-trailer that jackknifed and slid out of control down U.S. 93 at Evaro, authorities say.

The four-vehicle crash happened on icy and slushy roads at about 3:56 p.m. in Missoula County, according to a Montana Highway Patrol accident report issued Saturday.

The semi out of South Dakota was southbound on U.S. 93 at mile marker 4.5 when it jackknifed and spun across the center line and collided with a GMC Sierra traveling northbound. The GMC's driver, a 19-year-old male from Columbia Falls, and a female passenger both died at the scene. The age and city of residence of the female passenger was not made available in the accident report. Neither occupant was wearing a seat belt.

A Ronan man in an International MV series truck was following the semi and crashed into its trailer as it slid down the highway. The impact caused the trailer to un-jackknife, spin 180 degrees and lose its load of plyboard.

Another Ronan man driving a Chrysler Town and Country northbound also collided with the trailer.

Both Ronan drivers were wearing seat belts and were not injured.

Speed is suspected as a factor in the crash.