Morton County, ND (March 15, 2026) – A two-vehicle crash on Interstate 94 early Saturday morning claimed the life of a young driver and left another motorist injured west of Mandan, according to authorities.
Troopers with the North Dakota State Patrol responded to the collision around 6:36 a.m. along westbound Interstate 94 near mile marker 139, approximately eight miles west of Mandan, North Dakota in Morton County, North Dakota.
According to the preliminary investigation, a 2017 Subaru Legacy was traveling eastbound on I-94 while negotiating a curve in the roadway. The Subaru then crossed into the westbound lanes of the interstate, where it was struck by a westbound 2024 Ram 3500.
Emergency responders pronounced the 21-year-old driver of the Subaru, a woman from Lancaster, Ohio, dead at the scene. Officials said she was wearing a seatbelt at the time of the crash. The driver of the Ram, a 34-year-old man from Punta Gorda, Florida, sustained injuries and was transported to a hospital in Bismarck, North Dakota, for treatment.
Several agencies responded to assist at the scene, including the Morton County Sheriff’s Office, Mandan Rural Fire Department, and Metro Area Ambulance. The crash remains under investigation by the North Dakota State Patrol.
We extend our condolences to the family and loved ones of the young woman who lost her life in this tragic accident.
Icy Road Conditions Can Lead to Cross-Median Collisions
Winter road conditions can significantly increase the risk of serious crashes, particularly on high-speed roadways.
Major routes such as Interstate 94 pass through rural areas like Morton County, North Dakota, where curves and icy pavement can make vehicle control more difficult.
When vehicles lose traction, they may slide into medians or opposing traffic lanes, increasing the likelihood of severe collisions. Investigators reviewing incidents like this often examine roadway conditions, vehicle movement, and driver response to determine how the crash occurred.
