Driver Survives Crash Off Homestake Pass Cliff

A driver survived a crash after the semi-truck he was driving plunged a reported 100 feet down a cliff face off Interstate 90 at 10 PM Monday, April 29.

According to the Whitehall Fire Department, the driver was eastbound on Homestake Pass between Whitehall and Butte when the crash occurred.

Responders said in a social media post that the truck had hit a guardrail. The semi-cab separated from the frame and rolled down the cliff while the rest of the truck stayed on the road.

Rescue teams used rope and other devices to lower rescuers and equipment down to the scene. The teams had to navigate large boulders, steep terrain, darkness, and a creek at the bottom of the cliff.

The driver was transported by helicopter to St. James Hospital and is currently listed in stable condition as of Thursday, May 2.

The Whitehall Volunteer Fire Department, Montana Highway Patrol, and the Jefferson Valley EMS were joined by the Butte-Silver Bow Fire Department’s Technical Rescue Team in the rescue efforts.

The incident remains under investigation.