Libby woman killed in crash on snowy road
5 people injured, Linda Dabel killed in two-vehicle collision
by Duane Williams, KLCB-KTNY Radio
December 21, 2012
Libby area resident Linda Jeanne Dabel, 67, died in a traffic crash Thursday, Dec. 20th, on Highway 2 at milepost 22 at 2:42 pm.
Sue Wilson, 45-years old from Libby, lost control of her eastbound vehicle on the slush and snow-covered road surface during a period of moderate snowfall. After fishtailing several times, her vehicle slid across the centerline into the opposite lane of traffic and was struck in the driver's side by the Dabel westbound vehicle. Both vehicles rotated then came to rest in the center of their original traffic lanes blocking the entire highway.
Dabel was extricated from her vehicle and immediately transported to St. Johns Hospital in Libby, where she passed away due to the extent of her injuries. The front passenger in her vehicle, Jessica Caldwell, 31-years old from Troy, was transported and treated at St. Johns. Two rear seat passengers, Caden Caldwell (2-years old) and Brennan Caldwell (2-weeks old) were properly restrained in child safety seats. Both children were transported to St. Johns Hospital for treatment of minor injuries. Ms. Dabel and Ms. Caldwell were not using seatbelts at the time of the crash.
The driver of the second vehicle, Sue Wilson, was transported to St. Johns Hospital for treatment. A passenger in her vehicle, Jennifer Wilson, 27-years old from Libby, was transported to St. Johns for treatment. Both occupants of this vehicle were properly restrained in seatbelts.
Alcohol use does not appear to be a factor in this crash. Drug/prescription drug use results for both drivers are pending a full toxicology screening conducted by the Montana State Crime Lab in Missoula. This is standard practice for all serious injury/fatal crashes.
Speed too fast for road conditions and lack of seatbelt use were major contributing factors in this crash. Overall, U.S. Highway 2 was completely closed for approximately one hour.
This crash is still under investigation and charges, if any, are pending the toxicology screening results.
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By Duane Williams, KLCB-KTNY Radio, e-mail: klcb@frontiernet.net.
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