Big Arm, MT (June 30, 2026) – One person died, and another was hurt in a head-on collision between an SUV and a fuel-hauling semi-truck near Walking Horse Lane on U.S. Highway 93 early on Sunday morning, June 28. Emergency units were dispatched at approximately 6 a.m.
The semi-truck driver was able to exit the vehicle without assistance and was taken by ground ambulance to a local hospital. Emergency units extricated the SUV driver, who was pronounced dead at the scene. The fuel tanker was empty at the time of the wreck.
U.S. Highway 93 was closed for approximately four hours while investigators worked the site and crews cleared the roadway. The cause of the crash has not been released. The accident remains under active review.
We extend our sincere condolences to the family of the person who lost their life.
What Happens After a Head-On Crash Between an SUV and a Semi-Truck?
Head-on collisions between a passenger vehicle and a semi-truck are among the most severe crash types, largely because of the significant difference in size and weight between the two vehicles. The smaller vehicle absorbs a disproportionate amount of force in these crashes, which results in fatal or life-threatening injuries for its occupants. Even when a tanker is empty, the mass of the truck itself presents a major hazard in a direct frontal collision.
Extrication is required when a smaller vehicle sustains heavy front-end damage in a head-on crash. Emergency units use specialized tools to remove door panels, cut through frames, or peel back roofing to safely reach and remove an occupant who cannot exit on their own. The time this process takes depends on the extent of the damage and the position of the person inside.
Highway closures following a serious crash on a rural route can last several hours, particularly when investigators need to document the scene thoroughly before vehicles are moved. U.S. Highway 93 serves as a primary corridor through western Montana, meaning extended closures can affect a wide range of local and commercial traffic in the region.
