An earlier version of this article stated that both dogs in the wrong-way driver's vehicle were euthanize. We have since learned that one of the dogs was put down; the other survived and is at Heart Of The Valley awaiting adoption.
The wrong-way driver has been identified as Robert Askins. The driver of the other vehicle has been identified as Jason Sullivan.
According to the Gallatin County Sheriff’s Office, two people died on Wednesday, July 31, 2024, due to a wrong-way driver on Interstate 90.
The Montana Highway Patrol says the crash happened on I-90 eastbound, west of the Highway 287 interchange in Three Forks, at about 7:20 a.m.
The Sheriff's Office says a driver got on the interstate at the Wheat Montana exit (Exit 274), and initially drove in the right direction before making a u-turn a few miles west of the exit.
The driver reportedly struck another vehicle at mile marker 272.
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Broadwater County Sheriff/Coroner Nick Rauser says the man driving in the wrong direction is from Washington; the driver of the vehicle that was struck is a man from Montana.
The Montana Highway Patrol says the two fatalities were a 56-year old man from Spokane, Washington, who was driving a Kia Spectra; and a 50-year old man from Basin, Montana, who was driving a Honda Accord.
Both men died at the scene; they were the only occupants of their respective vehicles.
Both men were wearing seatbelts, according to the MHP, and the crash report indicates that drugs may have been a factor, but the agency did not link possible drug use to a specific driver.
The identities of the two men who died have not yet been released, pending family notification.
Sheriff Rauser also told MTN News that two dogs were in the wrong-way driver's vehicle. They were injured, and deputies brought them to a veterinarian to see if they could be saved. One dog had to be euthanized; the other is being placed for adoption.
The Montana Highway Patrol is investigating the crash. There are reportedly several witnesses, including video from a semi-truck.
Eight wrong-way driving crashes have occurred in the past eight months across Park, Gallatin, and Broadwater counties.
We will update you when we get more information.
