Three Killed In Valley County Accident
According to a press release from Valley County Sheriff Tom Boyer, a two-vehicle accident occurred at the intersection of U.S. Highway 2 and Montana Highway 117, near the town of Nashua, at approximately 10:45 a.m. Saturday, July 23.
Nine individuals were involved, including two adults in one vehicle traveling east, on Highway 2 and one adult with six children of varying ages in the vehicle entering the intersection from Highway 117.
Said the press release, “Multiple first responders converged on the scene and U.S. Highway 2 was shut down for a short period of time. The three adults were pronounced dead at the scene of the accident.”
The names of the adults were listed as Robert and Helen Heikens of Nashua and Lorena Mast of Nashua. One child was listed as being in critical condition. All the children were transported for further evaluation.
The Montana Highway Patrol is investigating the accident scene. An official accident report from the MHP was unavailable as of presstime.
Boyer spoke directly to first responders, officers and members of the community, praising them for their, “lifesaving efforts that were professionally exhibited at the accident scene and for the continuing efforts to support the children affected by this tragic event.” He added, “Our thoughts and prayers are with the families and friends of the deceased and for healing and peace for the children involved.”
Frazer School superintendent Melanie Blount-Cole and deans Cody Larson and Emily Dillinger released a statement regarding Mast, who was a special eduction teacher at the school. Said the statement, “We, at the Frazer School, are prepared to respond to your needs and our mental health staff will be available at the Frazer School to address your immediate concerns. Please seek out our mental health staff, if needed, as we navigate during this difficult time. On behalf of the Frazer School staff, students and the school board, we are sorry for the loss of our former staff member, Lorena Mast. This is a tragic loss. Our condolences to the family.”
Frazer School staff can be reached at 406-695-2220.
