Libby woman dies in traffic crash involving elk

A 70-year-old Libby woman died in a traffic crash on U.S. 2 near Happy’s Inn Tuesday morning after an elk ran across the road in front of the vehicle.

According to a report by Montana Highway Patrol Sgt. Horton, a Toyota Camry was driving east at about 7 a.m. at mile marker 74 when the driver, a 68-year-old Libby man, said an elk ran across the road.

The driver braked and the car swerved to the right, off the road and struck an embankment. The woman was thrown from the car when it rolled before coming to a stop on its wheels. She was pronounced dead at the scene.

The man was taken to Logan Health.

Neither the driver nor the passenger were wearing seat belts. Road conditions were described as wet. 

Alcohol, drugs and speed were not suspected factors in the crash.