The incident happened at 12:59 p.m. at the intersection of 134th Avenue NW and 54th Street NW, about one mile from Williston. According to the North Dakota Highway Patrol, a 1996 Peterbilt semi-truck driven by Charles Verschoot, 29, of Lambert, Montana, was traveling south on 134th Avenue NW when a 2002 Chevrolet S10 pickup entered the intersection from the east.
The Chevrolet, driven by Joshua Fuchs, 23, of Grand Junction, Colorado, failed to stop at a posted stop sign on 54th Street NW. The semi struck the pickup within the intersection.
Verschoot, who was wearing a seatbelt, was not injured. Fuchs, who was not wearing a seatbelt, sustained fatal injuries. Emergency crews from the Williams County Sheriff’s Office, Williston Ambulance, and the Williston Fire Department responded to the scene.
Road and weather conditions were reported as good at the time of the crash. No charges are expected against the semi driver. The North Dakota Highway Patrol continues to investigate.
Authorities stress the importance of wearing seatbelts. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, seatbelt use remains one of the most effective ways to prevent serious injuries and deaths in crashes.
I’m Chris Harper reporting for TRF News.
