Mountrail County Fatal Crash
What: Fatality
Where: Highway 23 Mile Marker 54, Approximately 3 miles east of New Town
When: June 18, 2024, at approximately 4:03 AM CT
Road Conditions: Wet
Weather Conditions: Light Rain
Crash Involvement: Vehicle/Construction Equipment
Type of Crash: Rear End
Agencies Involved: North Dakota Highway Patrol, Mountrail County Sheriff’s Office, Three Affiliated Tribes Police Department, New Town Ambulance, New Town Fire Department
Vehicle No. 1: 2017 Honda CR-V
Driver No. 1: 18-Year-Old Male, New Town, ND. Fatal Injuries
Restraints: Lap and shoulder belt used. Air bags deployed
Charges: None
Vehicle No. 2: 2014 John Deere 744 Payloader
Driver No. 2: 25-Year-Old Male, Mexico. Not injured
Charges: Under Investigation
Narrative
On June 18, 2024, at approximately 04:03 AM, a 2014 John Deere 744 Payloader was traveling west on Highway 23 near mile marker 54 with all front and rear lights activated. The operator of the payloader noticed a 2017 Honda CR-V approaching from behind and moved toward the shoulder of the road. Despite this, the Honda CR-V struck the right rear corner of the payloader. The payloader came to a stop in the westbound lanes of Highway 23, while the Honda CR-V ended up on the north side of the highway.
The driver of the payloader was unharmed, but the driver of the Honda CR-V, an 18-year-old male from New Town, sustained fatal injuries. The North Dakota Highway Patrol is investigating the crash, and the release of names is pending next of kin notification.