No serious injuries in four-vehicle crash on U.S. 2

A four-vehicle crash Saturday at a notoriously dangerous area on U.S. 2 near Columbia Falls ended with four people in the hospital.

The crash happened at about 3 p.m. at mile marker 140 on a corner near the House of Mystery at Berne Road.

According to Montana Highway Patrol Trooper Andrew Horton, a chain reaction was set off when a pickup slowed in the westbound lane, causing a Ford F150 pickup to abruptly stop. The Ford was then hit by a third pickup, which pushed the Ford into oncoming traffic where it collided head-on with a Land Rover.

Horton said four people were taken to North Valley Hospital with what he described as minor injuries.

All of the victims were wearing seat belts, he added.

“That’s the important factor,” Horton said. “With seat belts being worn, it looks like everyone can go home today.”

The scene was cleared by 5 p.m. Neither alcohol nor drugs were factors in the crash, Horton said.

The posted speed limit on the section of highway is 55 mph.

Horton reminded drivers that the highway between Columbia Falls and Hungry Horse is narrow and with no shoulders.

“It would be advised to increase following distance and don’t cheat on the speed,” he said. “Those little differences can make a big difference. Especially with the influx of traffic in the summer. It’s a dangerous section.”