By Amanda Eggert EBS Associate Editor
BIG SKY – An individual is in critical condition after being struck by a vehicle while crossing MT 64 yesterday evening at about 9:45 p.m.
The motorist involved was traveling westbound and the pedestrian was crossing MT 64 near the intersection of Ousel Falls Road when the accident occurred. Ashlin O’Connell, the Montana Highway Patrol trooper investigating the accident, said the injured pedestrian was transported to the Big Sky Medical Center, where he was flown by air ambulance to Bozeman Deaconess. He was then flown to a hospital in Billings.
At this point, speed and alcohol do not appear to be factors, O’Connell said, adding that the investigation will likely not be complete until next week.
O’Connell said it is unknown which direction the pedestrian was walking and whether or not he was using the crosswalk.
The intersection of MT 64 and Ousel Falls Road is slated for a traffic light installation this fall, according to the Big Sky Community Organization. This June, BSCO secured Big Sky Resort Area District funds to match a private donation to move the light installation forward.