Two-car accident results in traffic fatality

A two-car crash on June 19 at approximately 5 p.m. resulted in a fatality for one of the drivers. The vehicles collided at mile marker 58, which is near the intersection of U.S. Hwy. 93 and Ridgewater Drive, south of Polson.

The first car, a Pontiac Bonneville driven by a 20-year-old female from Polson, was in the northbound lane executing a lefthand turn onto Ridgewater Drive. The second, a Mercedes 300 driven by a 92-year-old man from St. Ignatius, was headed south on U.S. Hwy. 93.

According to the Highway Patrol report, the first vehicle struck the driver’s door of the Mercedes while negotiating the left-hand turn. After impact, the Mercedes continued off the road for approximately 20 yards before stopping.

The driver immediately was taken to Providence St. Joseph Medical Center in Polson but died on June 25 from injuries sustained in the accident. Both drivers were wearing their seat belts, and road conditions were bare and dry.

Montana Highway Patrol Trooper Julian Gallegos, who responded to the crash, said the investigation is ongoing. He also could not comment on whether citations had been issued, nor did he release the names of the drivers involved.