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UPDATE: Patrol Car in Fatal, Head-On Collision Near Somers

By Beacon Staff

SOMERS – The Montana Highway Patrol says one of its troopers in the Flathead Valley was involved in a head-on crash that spared the trooper but killed the other driver.

The collision happened early Monday morning on U.S. Highway 93 south of Kalispell.

U.S. 93 is a physically divided four-lane roadway. According to a release from Montana Attorney General Steve Bullock’s office, Highway Patrol Trooper Mike Haynes was traveling in the southbound lanes at approximately 2:40 a.m. Monday when he was struck head-on by a Volkswagen being driven northbound in the southbound lanes.

The 29-year-old male driver of the Volkswagen was killed upon impact and pronounced dead at the scene. His name has not yet been released.

Trooper Haynes was injured in the collision and transported to Kalispell Regional Medical Center.

“While more information will become available as the investigation is conducted, this morning I encourage all Montanans to join the entire Patrol and keep Trooper Haynes and his family in their thoughts and prayers,” MHP Colonel Mike Tooley said. “I’d also like to extend my heartfelt condolences to the family of the deceased.”

The Montana Highway Patrol is investigating the crash.