McKenzie County, ND (September 28, 2025) – Two people were killed and another seriously injured Sunday morning in a crash involving a semi-truck at the intersection of Highway 85 and 23rd Street Northwest near Watford City, according to the North Dakota Highway Patrol.
Accident Details: The crash occurred when a 41-year-old man from Tennessee drove his semi-truck through a stop sign and T-boned a passenger vehicle. Both vehicles were forced into a nearby ditch. Two passengers in the smaller vehicle, ages 5 and 25, were pronounced dead at the scene. The driver of that vehicle, a 24-year-old Watford City resident, sustained serious injuries and was transported for emergency care. Authorities said the semi-truck driver was not injured.
Community Response: News of the fatal McKenzie County truck crash has shaken the community. Residents expressed sorrow over the deaths, particularly the loss of a young child, and voiced concerns about the risks of heavy truck traffic at rural intersections. The collision caused significant disruptions in the area as emergency crews and law enforcement responded to the scene. Community leaders have emphasized the need for careful driving in oilfield regions where commercial truck traffic is heavy and rural roadways often lack modern safety infrastructure.
Investigation and Legal Considerations: The North Dakota Highway Patrol is conducting an investigation into the semi-truck crash to determine why the truck driver failed to stop at the intersection. Investigators will review potential driver error, fatigue, distraction, or mechanical failure as contributing factors. Crashes involving fatalities can result in criminal charges, while civil liability may extend to both the truck driver and the trucking company, especially if company practices regarding scheduling or training contributed. Wrongful death claims may also arise on behalf of the deceased passengers’ families.
Officials reminded the public that rural intersections, particularly those along Highways 85 and 23rd Street NW, demand heightened caution given the heavy volume of semi-truck traffic in western North Dakota.
I extend my deepest condolences to the families of the victims and wish a full recovery for the injured driver.
Source: KFYR