STANLEY, Mountrail County, N.D., Oct. 20, 2026 — A Stanley woman suffered serious, life-threatening injuries in a head-on crash Sunday night, October 18, on Highway 2 east of town, according to the North Dakota State Patrol. A man driving the wrong way was arrested on DUI and criminal vehicular injury charges, troopers said.
The crash happened around 9:18 p.m. near mile marker 106, about 15 miles east of Stanley, North Dakota. A 2000 Dodge Intrepid was headed west in the eastbound lanes when it struck a 2008 Dodge Caliber head-on.
The Intrepid's driver, a 28-year-old man from Devils Lake, sustained minor injuries. He was taken to Trinity Health in Minot and was later arrested on a Class B misdemeanor DUI charge and a Class B felony count of criminal vehicular injury, according to the State Patrol.
The Caliber's driver, a 25-year-old Stanley woman, was flown to Trinity Health in Minot with serious injuries. Several area agencies responded, including the Mountrail County and Ward County sheriff's offices, Berthold and Stanley fire departments, multiple ambulance services, and Trinity Air Ambulance.
The crash remains under investigation by the North Dakota State Patrol. We wish the injured a complete recovery.
More on Crashes in Stanley, ND
This crash happened on Highway 2 in Stanley, ND. We cover crashes across Mountrail County as they're reported, and you can browse the latest in our Mountrail County accident reports.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why are head-on crashes so severe? Both vehicles are typically moving toward each other, so the combined speed at impact is much higher than in most other crash types, increasing the force transferred to occupants.
How can drivers avoid a head-on collision? Staying alert to lane position, avoiding distraction, and pulling over if impaired or drowsy can help prevent a vehicle from drifting into oncoming traffic.
Where do most head-on crashes happen? They're common on two-lane highways like Highway 2, where opposing traffic is separated only by a painted center line instead of a physical barrier.
What to Do After a Head-On Crash in Stanley, ND
If you're involved in a head-on crash, call 911 right away and stay as still as possible until emergency crews arrive, since injuries from this type of impact aren't always obvious at first. Accept medical evaluation even if you feel fine, and keep copies of any treatment records. Get the names of responding agencies and a copy of the crash report once it's available, and give investigators time to complete their work before drawing conclusions about what happened.
