Man killed in crash near Loma identified

The driver killed Monday afternoon on U.S. Highway 87 near Loma has been identified as William Harold Emerson, 47, of Vaughn, according to Chouteau County Undersheriff Larry Ophus.

The crash happened shortly after 1 p.m. when Emerson, who was headed southbound while driving a Chevy truck, failed to negotiate a curve and crossed the center line.

Emerson struck a semi traveling northbound head-on, according to MHP officials, and the driver of the semi was taken to Missouri River Medical Center for nonlife-threatening injuries.

The crash is still under investigation, but officials said the driver of the semi was wearing a seat belt.

It is unknown whether Emerson was wearing a seat belt

It’s also unknown whether speed or alcohol were factors in the crash.

This was the 146th fatal crash on Montana roads this year.