Dawson, ND (February 19, 2026) – Two drivers were injured in a head-on crash on Interstate 94 near Dawson, according to the North Dakota Highway Patrol. The collision occurred near mile marker 212 after a straight truck traveling eastbound reportedly lost control on icy roadway conditions and crossed into oncoming traffic.
Authorities said a 38-year-old Pennsylvania man was driving a 2019 Freightliner straight truck eastbound on I-94 when it lost control, entered the median, and moved into the westbound lanes. The truck then collided head-on with a 2024 Ford pickup driven by a 50-year-old Wisconsin man. Both drivers were wearing seat belts at the time of the crash. Kidder County Ambulance transported the injured men to CHI St. Alexius and Sanford Medical Center in Bismarck for treatment. The North Dakota Highway Patrol confirmed the crash remains under investigation, and possible charges are being reviewed.
Key Details
- Reported: February 18
- Location: Interstate 94 near mile marker 212, near Dawson
- Incident Type: Two-vehicle head-on crash
- Vehicles Involved: 2019 Freightliner straight truck and 2024 Ford pickup
- Injuries: Two drivers were transported for treatment
- Investigating Agency: North Dakota Highway Patrol
What We Know So Far
- The Freightliner was traveling eastbound on I-94 when it reportedly lost control on icy roads.
- The truck crossed the median into the westbound lanes.
- The Freightliner struck a westbound Ford pickup head-on.
- Both drivers were wearing seat belts.
- Both men were transported to medical centers in Bismarck for treatment.
What’s Not Yet Confirmed
- The extent of the drivers’ injuries.
- Whether additional factors contributed to the crash beyond icy conditions.
- Whether charges will be filed following the investigation.
- If any additional vehicles were affected.
Local context
Interstate 94 near mile marker 212 outside Dawson is a major east-west corridor carrying both passenger vehicles and commercial trucks across central North Dakota. In winter conditions, stretches of I-94 can become slick quickly, particularly when temperatures fluctuate and moisture freezes on the roadway. A crossover crash involving a large vehicle like a Freightliner can create serious risks for oncoming traffic due to the force involved in a head-on impact. With the North Dakota Highway Patrol leading the investigation, officials will likely review roadway conditions, vehicle positions, and other evidence as they determine how the truck lost control and crossed the median.
What to Do Next
- If your vehicle cannot be moved safely, stay inside with your seatbelt on until help arrives, especially on busy roads.
- Follow directions from police or emergency personnel and use caution around emergency vehicles and traffic changes.
- Request the incident or report number from responding officers if one is provided.
- Monitor how you feel after the crash. Some injuries can appear hours or days later.
FAQ
Q: Why are details sometimes limited right after a crash?
A: Initial information is often preliminary. Investigators typically confirm roadway conditions, review statements, and gather evidence before releasing additional findings.
Q: Why are freeway crashes considered especially hazardous?
A: Crashes on highways like I-94 often involve higher speeds and heavier vehicles, which can increase the severity of impacts and the risk of secondary collisions.
Q: What does it mean when a crash is under investigation?
A: It means authorities are still determining the sequence of events and reviewing evidence before making conclusions or decisions about charges.
Source
Read the original coverage here: original report.
