Billings County (trfnews.i234.me) — A school bus was struck during a three-vehicle crash Wednesday afternoon on Highway 85 in Billings County.
The crash happened on May 20, 2026, at about 3:46 p.m. near mile marker 76.
Authorities said a 2011 Dodge Ram 3500 was traveling north on Highway 85.
The pickup was pulling a 20-foot flatbed bumper-pull trailer.
A 2026 International school bus from Billings County School was ahead of the pickup.
The bus was also traveling north on Highway 85.
School Bus Was Waiting To Turn
The school bus was waiting to turn left onto 35th Street SW.
Its turn signal was activated while it yielded to southbound traffic.
Authorities said the Dodge Ram struck the rear of the school bus.
The impact pushed the bus into the southbound lane.
The bus was then struck by a 2013 Freightliner truck.
The Freightliner was hauling a flatbed trailer and traveling southbound.
Investigators said the Dodge Ram driver was distracted by a cellular device.
The driver was also arrested for driving under the influence.
Minor Injuries Reported
The Dodge Ram driver was evaluated after the crash.
Authorities said the driver suffered non-life-threatening injuries.
The school bus driver and two student passengers were checked by EMS at the scene.
They were released with minor or no injuries.
The Freightliner driver was not injured.
No names were included in the report provided for this story.
Traffic Reduced During Investigation
Highway 85 was reduced to one lane while crews investigated the crash.
The incident remains a reminder about the dangers of impaired and distracted driving.
Drivers are urged to avoid cell phone use behind the wheel.
They are also urged to buckle up and drive sober.
More traffic safety information is available from the North Dakota Highway Patrol.
Drivers can also review safety resources from the North Dakota Vision Zero program.
Road and travel updates are available through the North Dakota Department of Transportation.
I’m Chris Harper reporting for TRF News.
