Crash causes cab to separate from truck frame, fall 100 feet down cliff

Montana firefighters performed a rescue after a semi truck cab fell down a cliff face on Tuesday.

The incident took place near Butte, Montana around 10 p.m. on April 30, according to the Butte-Silver Bow Fire Department.

A semi truck was traveling east on I-90 at mile marker 237 on Homestake Pass when a crash occurred.

“The semi cab separated from the frame and rolled down the cliff while the rest of the truck stayed on the road after the truck hit the guardrail,” firefighters said.

The cab plummeted about 100 feet down the cliff face, according to the Butte-Silver Bow Fire Department.

Multiple agencies including the Montana Highway Patrol responded to provide medical aid and perform a technical rescue.

“The TRT team utilized a rope system and a MPD device to lower rescuers and equipment down to the scene. Members had to navigate large boulders, steep terrain, and the time of day as well as a creek at the bottom of the cliff.Members packaged the patient into a stokes basket and hoisted the patient back to the highway. Once the patient was back up to the highway Life Flight Network transported the patient by helicopter to St. James Hospital,” firefighters said.

The truck driver was injured but is listed in stable condition.

The crash remains under investigation.