An overturned camper trailer blocked traffic Wednesday afternoon, June 23. The trailer was hooked to a hitch that was too small causing it to fishtail and the driver to lose control. The trailer was later determined to be stolen. No injuries were reported.
A camper trailer that flipped on its side blocked traffic on Highway 83 Wednesday, June 23 afternoon.
SEELEY LAKE - A dislodged hitch caused a stolen trailer to flip on its side at mile marker 19 Highway 83 just north of Boy Scout Road Wednesday, June 23. Three people were in the towing vehicle, the driver in her early 40s and her four-year-old twins. No other vehicles were involved and no injuries were reported.
Montana Highway Patrol Trooper Billy Munoz said that he received the call at approximately 12:39 p.m. According to Munoz, the pickup truck was traveling south when the trailer began "fishtailing," which caused the pickup truck to lose control and start sliding and skidding. The trailer then overturned on its side and completely blocked both lanes of the highway.
The Seeley Lake Rural Fire District volunteers, Department of Natural Resources and Conservation staff and Missoula County Sheriff's Department Deputy Ryan Dunster were also present at the accident.
Munoz said speed was a possible factor but the accident was likely caused by "improper towing equipment." The ball hitch that was attached to the truck was too small for it to safely pull the trailer down the roadway. All of the individuals and vehicles involved were from Flathead County.
He said the children were in restraints but the mother was not. The driver was not under the influence. However she was arrested and received citations for careless driving, not wearing a seatbelt and other charges that are pending.
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