Ransom County (trfnews.i234.me) — Five people were hurt Friday evening after a side-by-side rolled over on a muddy, snow-covered road southwest of Elliott.
According to the North Dakota Highway Patrol, the crash happened around 6:30 p.m. in the 12200 block of 71st Street SE. The location is about 2.5 miles southwest of Elliott.
Crash Happened On Minimum Maintenance Road
Investigators said a 36-year-old man from Lisbon was driving a 2026 Polaris Ranger westbound on a minimum maintenance road. The road was muddy and covered with snow.
Authorities said the driver lost control. The side-by-side went off the road. It then came back onto the roadway and overturned.
The driver was not wearing a seat belt. He suffered serious injuries. Emergency crews later flew him to Fargo for more treatment. The Highway Patrol said he may face a driving under the influence charge.
Authorities have not released the names of the people involved.
Passengers Also Hurt
The Polaris Ranger had four passengers at the time of the crash.
A 29-year-old woman from Lisbon was injured. A 20-year-old woman from Valley City suffered serious injuries. Investigators said she was not wearing a seat belt.
Two juvenile boys from Lisbon were also hurt. Both juveniles were wearing seat belts, according to the Highway Patrol.
All five people were taken to CHI Lisbon Health for treatment. The most seriously injured victim was later airlifted by Sanford AirMed.
Several Agencies Responded
The crash remains under investigation. Assisting agencies included the Ransom County Sheriff’s Office, Lisbon Fire Department, Lisbon Ambulance, and Sanford AirMed.
Minimum maintenance roads can become dangerous fast in wet and snowy weather. Mud, ice, and poor traction can make side-by-sides harder to control.
Officials have not yet released more details about possible charges or the condition of the injured passengers.
I’m Chris Harper reporting for TRF News.
