Nelson Co. Crash Sends Lakota Man to Hospital
Nelson County (trfnews.i234.me) – Authorities have released names following a serious two-vehicle crash near Lakota that sent one man to the hospital.
The North Dakota Highway Patrol says the crash happened around 4:15 p.m. on Tuesday, September 16, 2025, at the intersection of U.S. Highway 2 and North Dakota Highway 1. Conditions were reported as dry and clear.
A 2017 Volvo truck tractor with a trailer, driven by Robert Jovic, 37, of Lackawanna, New York, was traveling east on Highway 2. A 2016 Jeep Grand Cherokee, driven by James Burtness, 83, of Lakota, crossed the eastbound lanes and was struck by the truck. Both vehicles came to rest in the south ditch.
Jovic was wearing a seatbelt and was not injured. Burtness, who was not wearing a seatbelt, suffered serious injuries and was taken by ambulance to Altru Hospital in Grand Forks. Responding agencies included the North Dakota Highway Patrol, Nelson County Sheriff’s Office, Lakota Ambulance, and Lakota Fire & Rescue.
The crash remains under investigation. Authorities have not announced any charges at this time.
For more information on North Dakota road safety, visit the North Dakota Department of Transportation.
I’m Chris Harper reporting for TRF News.
