Fatal traffic accident on Highway 2
One person killed in two vehicle crash
by Duane Williams, KLCB-KTNY Radio
July 16, 2011
One person was killed in a two vehicle crash on Highway 2 at approximately 12:16 pm on July 15, 2011 just west of Libby.
A passenger car driven by Joshua Richard Peters, 29, from Sandpoint, Idaho was traveling Highway 2 towards Libby. A 2008 Kenworth tractor-trailer pulling a 40 foot lowboy loaded with a logging skidder driven by Todd Smith, 44 years old, from Bonners Ferry was traveling west.
Peters' car gradually crossed the centerline for no apparent reason. The Kenworth, driven by Smith, attempted an evasive maneuver to the right, driving his tractor-trailer completely onto the shoulder of the roadway. The car struck the trailer of the semi at highway speed and then struck the logging skidder that was being transported before bouncing back onto the roadway where it came to rest in the center of the highway.
Peters died at the scene from injuries sustained on impact. Neither Smith, nor Brenan Smith, 12 years old, from Bonners Ferry, a passenger in the tractor trailer, were injured in the crash.
Alcohol use and speed do not appear to be factors in the crash pending toxicology results from the Montana State Crime Lab in Missoula. All occupants in both vehicles were using seat belts.
The crash caused the closure of Highway 2 for approximately 40 minutes.
The crash investigation is active and being led by Sgt. Duane Bowers, MHP, from Libby.
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Story by Duane Williams, KLCB-KTNY Radio, www.todaysbestcountryonline.com e-mail:klcb@frontiernet.net.
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