Five injured in vehicle vs. elk accident
by Duane Williams, KLCB-KTNY Radio
August 18, 2011
Five people were injured in an early morning crash on Highway 2 near Arabian Lane on Wednesday morning, August 17, at approximately 1:20 am after their vehicle struck an elk.
According to Duane Bowers of the Montana Highway Patrol, a car driven by Nicholas Monroe, 21, from Libby, was traveling toward Libby on US Highway 2 when a large bull elk ran into its path. The vehicle struck the elk and the driver was immediately knocked unconscious. The vehicle continued to the right into the north ditch and continued westbound for several hundred feet before it struck and severed a utility pole, continuing for approximately 30 feet before it struck a tree and was brought to a stop.
The ALERT Helicopter landed at the scene. Monroe was airlifted to Kalispell Regional Medical Center.
A front seat passenger, Samuel Diener, 22, from Libby, was transported by Libby EMS to St. Johns Hospital in Libby.
Transported by Libby EMS to St. Johns were the three rear seat passengers:
Michael Mast, 21, Libby, and Caitlin Troyer, 12, and Linda Troyer, 14 from Hayden Idaho.
Speed and alcohol use were not factors in this crash. All occupants were using seatbelts.
A crew from Flathead Electric was dispatched to the scene to repair the utility pole and the downed power lines.
The elk was removed by Libby Food Pantry.
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Story by Duane Williams, KLCB-KTNY Radio, www.todaysbestcountryonline.com e-mail:klcb@frontiernet.net.
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