Wilton, North Dakota (trfnews.i234.me) — Two women died in a head-on crash Sunday on U.S. Highway 83.
The crash happened about six miles south of Wilton, north of Bismarck. Fog was reported in the area.
What happened
The North Dakota Highway Patrol said an 80-year-old woman from Williston was driving the wrong way.
Investigators said she was traveling south in the northbound lanes.
A 21-year-old woman from Bismarck was driving north in the correct lane.
The vehicles collided head-on, the Patrol said.
Both drivers were taken to a Bismarck medical center. They were later pronounced dead, authorities said.
The women’s names have not been released.
Investigators said the older driver was wearing a seat belt.
The younger driver was not wearing a seat belt, officials said.
The Patrol did not say why the wrong-way driving happened.
Officials said the road was wet, and fog cut visibility.
The crash closed the northbound lanes for about two hours.
Some traffic was rerouted during the closure.
What investigators are checking
Troopers are still working to confirm the full order of events.
They will review marks on the road and vehicle damage.
They may also check video if it exists.
They can also interview drivers who saw the crash.
The crash remains under investigation.
More information may be released after the review is complete.
Anyone with information can contact the Highway Patrol.
Safety and road resources
Drivers can check road cameras and conditions before travel.
Use low beams and slow down in fog.
Leave extra space between vehicles.
If you see a wrong-way driver, move right if safe.
Do not stop in traffic lanes. Call 911 when you can do it safely.
- ND Roads travel map.
- NHTSA seat belt safety.
- National Weather Service fog driving tips.
- NDHP crash report request info.
I’m Chris Harper reporting for TRF News.