HELENA – Five teenagers have died after their pickup truck crashed into an embankment east of Helena.
Investigators say the Chevrolet pickup was southbound on Keir Lane off Canyon Ferry Road when it failed to negotiate a turn and slammed into an embankment Sunday at about 1:10 a.m.
Montana Highway Patrol Trooper Jeramy Rice says speed was a factor, alcohol was a probable factor and drug paraphernalia was found.
Lewis and Clark County Coroner Mickey Nelson released the names of the victims Sunday evening.
They were 18-year-old Andre D. Hartwig of East Helena; 18-year-old Beau A. Miller-Lopane of East Helena; 18-year-old Eric A. Prudhomme and his 15-year-old sister, Danielle R. Prudhomme of Helena; and 18-year-old Chanda M. Scarber.
Hartwig was driving.
All five died at the scene.