A state official with Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks confirmed Friday morning that Rep. Denny Re-hberg, R-Mont., and four other individuals were injured Thursday night when their 22-foot motor boat ran aground on Flathead Lake.

"There was a serious boating accident near Wayfarers State Park between 10 p.m. and midnight," said Jim Satterfield with FWP. "There were five occupants on the boat, including two public officials."

The occupants of the boat included Rehberg and state senator Greg Barkus, a Kalispell Republican. Satterfield said nearby campers heard the crash when the boat hit rocks at Wayfarers State Park near Bigfork.

All five occupants were injured in the crash, Sattefield said. Three were transported to the hospital by life flight and two by ambulance. All five victims, including Rehberg, were listed in stable condition at 9:45 a.m., according to Satterfield. Two were members of Rehberg's staff, according to FWP officials.

"The park is closed pending an official investigation, and will remain closed tomorrow," Satterfield said.

By early Friday afternoon, onlookers in boats were beginning to gather near the accident site, staring at the wrecked boat, which sat completely out of the water at about a 45-degree angel at the southern end of the park, where the shore is extremely rocky.

Satterfield said investigators will look at a variety of factors including the boat itself and who was driving it. Other factors will include speed, lifejackets, and whether drugs or alcohol were involved.

"Those are common in any accident investigation," he said.

Rehberg's office has yet to comment on the incident and the Flathead County Sheriff's Office is refer-ring all calls to Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks.

Check back later for more details.

Reporter Martin Kidston: 447-4086 or mkidston@helenair.com

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