Hot Springs man injured in fatal crash on Saturday

A traffic accident Saturday evening in Jefferson County south of Helena claimed the life of a 20-year-old Kalispell man and left a 19-year-old Hot Springs man injured.

According to Montana Highway Patrol, the Kalispell resident was driving a Hyundai Elantra south on Interstate 15 when it left the left side of road in a counter clockwise skid, crossed the median, rolled and came to rest on its roof in the northbound lane at mile marker 176. It is believed the car hydroplaned on wet roads.

The driver was not wearing a seat belt and was ejected. He died at the scene.

In addition to the Hot Springs man who was injured, a 19-year-old Kalispell man, who was wearing a seat belt, was injured. Both were taken to a hospital.

Drugs, alcohol, and the failure to wear seat belts also were factors in the crash.