GREAT FALLS — The four people who died in a crash in Cascade County on Monday have been identified.
Sheriff Jesse Slaughter says the four people are Jolinda Lee Lafranchi, 51 years old; Joy Bernier, 25; Margaret Ann Firstraised, 47; and Ryan T. Scott, 34.
Sheriff Slaughter said in a press release on Tuesday that the four were in a Ford Mustang, and that Lafranchi was the driver.
The crash was reported to the Montana Highway Patrol at 8:45 a.m. on Monday. It happened near Armington Junction, just south of Belt, where US Highway 87 intersects with US Highway 89. The crash involved one other vehicle. The Montana Highway Patrol said on Monday that two men sustained critical injuries and were taken to Benefis Health System; their names have not been released.
The MHP is continuing to investigate to determine the cause of the crash, including whether speed, alcohol, drugs, and/or weather conditions were factors. We will update you if we get more details.
(MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 30) Four people died in a crash near Armington Junction on Monday, according to the Montana Highway Patrol.
Montana Highway Patrol trooper MHP Trooper Wade Palen said that two other people sustained critical injuries.
The names of the victims have not yet been released, nor has information about the number of vehicles involved.
The road was blocked as emergency crews worked to clear the crash site, but is now open.
Responding agencies included the Montana Highway Patrol, Belt Rural Fire , Belt Ambulance, Great Falls Emergency Services, and the Cascade County Sheriff's Office.
The MHP is investigating to determine the cause of the crash.
We will update you when we get more information.
