Hot Springs family injured in Missoula accident

HOT SPRINGS – Hot Springs residents were involved in a traffic accident near the Missoula airport Tuesday night, requiring several people be taken to the hospital for injuries.

According to Trooper Silvan, of the Montana Highway Patrol, an SUV with five occupants was driving on Highway 10 near Airport Boulevard, when a hotel van turned into the airport and moved into the path of the SUV. The vehicles collided, both sustaining heavy damage to the front ends.

Four people were injured in the crash, including a minor who had to be airlifted to Seattle for treatment. The other three were also transported for treatment.

Silvan recalled traffic had to be rerouted “for a while” while the scene was cleaned up and the vehicles removed.

This is just one of several accidents that have happened all over the region recently. MHP noted they have been called to several accidents a day and it is hard to keep track of individual incidents without very specific information.

“[There have been] more than there should be,” said Silvan of the number of accidents.

However, he noted the number of accidents was not terribly unusual for the time of year with slick roads and temperatures barely above freezing.

The highway patrol recommends cautious driving and following the rules of the road while driving. It is advised to drive slowly and keep an eye on the road’s condition while traveling; this will allow drivers to get an idea of the road’s condition in advance. Shady areas and bridges should especially be driven cautiously as they have greater chances of being icy.

Silvan recommended people keep an eye on road conditions and drive accordingly; if the roads are slushy or icy, drive slower and plan commute time accordingly. He also advised always wearing a seatbelt.