Four teenagers tragically lost their lives in a devastating single-vehicle crash in the industrial area of Billings, Montana. Authorities have attributed the accident, which occurred just before 2 a.m. on Saturday morning, to a combination of factors including speed, the absence of seatbelts, and potentially alcohol. The vehicle veered off the roadway, causing the driver to lose control and collide with a large metal pole supporting a stockyard sign, according to the Billings police.
The immediate aftermath of the crash saw two victims pass away at the scene, while the other two individuals with critical injuries were rushed to the hospital but unfortunately succumbed to their injuries. The victims have been identified as two 14-year-old girls, a 17-year-old male, and an 18-year-old male. As of now, their identities have not been released.
A small memorial now stands at the crash site, with people leaving flowers and heartfelt notes on a posterboard attached to the pole that was struck by the victims’ vehicle. Ryan Pitman, a friend of the victims who had dropped off the two girls at the 18-year-old’s house earlier that night, was on his way back to pick up the three younger victims when he himself got into a separate accident, along with his father.
According to Pitman, the 17-year-old victim was driving the two girls home with the fourth victim also in the car when the tragic crash occurred. Pitman’s account aligns with the sequence of events leading to the devastating incident. Pitman, who is 17 years old and the son of a former Yellowstone County commissioner, is currently receiving treatment for injuries sustained in his own crash.
The loss of these young lives has left a profound impact on the community, with friends and loved ones mourning the untimely deaths. The investigation into the crash is ongoing as authorities work to determine the full extent of the contributing factors.
