3 killed in Chouteau County crash

Three people were killed Saturday when the pickup truck they were in collided head-on with a semi in Chouteau County, officials said.

The crash reportedly occurred when the pickup truck, a GMC Sierra, which was heading southbound on secondary Highway 223 northwest of Fort Benton, crossed over into the lane of a semi traveling northbound.

Montana Highway Patrol Trooper Chris Baker said the semi driver said the pickup crossed over into his lane and there was nothing he could do to avoid them.

He said the occupants of the pickup truck appeared to be teen boys. They did not appear to be wearing seat belts. He had not yet determined who was driving the pickup.

Two of the deceased are reportedly from Townsend and the other is from Missoula, the MHP reported. The other person in the crash is believed to be from Great Falls.

The crash was reported at 8:11 a.m. at mile marker 18 on secondary Highway 223, northwest of Fort Benton, according to the MHP website. Baker said the crash occurred where the road makes a right turn.

Three people were ejected from the truck and two were pronounced dead at the scene. A fourth, found in the truck, was pronounced dead as well, Baker said.

One of the three victims who was ejected was flown by Mercy Flight to Benefis Health System, the MHP said.

The truck driver was transported to Missouri River Medical Center with nonlife-threatening injuries, Baker said.