(UPDATE, 1:57 pm) The Cascade County Sheriff's Office has identifed the two people who died in the crash as Angela Bonney, 30 years old, and her daughter Parker Ramirez, who just turned seven years old on Thursday.
Both were from Great Falls, according to Undersheriff Cory Reeves.
The media release from the Sheriff's Office says it appears Bonney was driving toward Fairfield when she lost control on a patch of black ice. She tried to regain control, and crossed over into the oncoming traffic lane and was hit on the passenger side of her vehicle by an oncoming vehicle.
The driver of the second vehicle was taken to Benefis Health System by ambulance with unspecified injuries.
MHP Trooper Danny Sons told KRTV that Bonney was wearing her seatbelt, and her child was in a booster seat.
There is no indication that either driver was impaired or speeding.
The driver of the second vehicle was taken to Benefis Health System by ambulance with unspecified injuries.
(1st Report, 9:21 am) The Montana Highway Patrol reports that two people died in a crash between Vaughn and Fairfield.
Authorities have not yet released the names of either person, but did confirm that one is an adult woman, and the other is a six-year old girl, according to MHP trooper Danny Sons.
The head-on crash happened along US Highway 89 near mile marker 13, just east of Ashuelot Hill Road.
The crash was reported to the Montana Highway Patrol at about 8:40 a.m. on Friday.
There is no word yet on whether anyone else was seriously injured.
The Montana Department of Transportation says that both lanes of traffic are blocked, and traffic is being turned around at the state shop and above the crash scene. Drivers should avoid the area if possible, or be prepared for delays.
There is no word yet on the cause of the crash; the Montana Highway Patrol is continuing to investigate.
We have a reporter at the scene and will update you when we get more details.
