Steele, ND (August 30, 2025) – A deadly crash on Interstate 94 near Steele claimed the life of a 20-year-old Bismarck man and left another driver with life-threatening injuries on Thursday morning, August 28. The North Dakota Highway Patrol confirmed that the collision occurred around 6:40 a.m. in Kidder County.
According to the Highway Patrol, a 2012 Nissan Versa driven by 20-year-old Malachi Stein was traveling eastbound in the passing lane at a high rate of speed when it struck the rear of a 2023 Subaru Crosstrek.
The driver of the Subaru, 63-year-old Scott Johnson of New Meadows, Idaho, was transported to a nearby hospital with life-threatening injuries. Authorities noted that Johnson had been wearing his seat belt at the time of the crash.
Multiple agencies responded to the scene, including the Kidder County Sheriff’s Office, Kidder Ambulance, Metro Ambulance, Steele Fire Department, North Dakota Game and Fish, and the Department of Transportation. The Highway Patrol is continuing its investigation into the deadly collision.
Deadly Interstate Crashes in North Dakota
Fatal interstate crashes like the one reported near Steele highlight the extreme dangers posed by high-speed travel. Interstate 94, which runs across central North Dakota, is a major corridor for both local and out-of-state traffic. Collisions at highway speeds frequently result in devastating injuries or fatalities due to the force of impact.
Seat belt use continues to be a major factor in crash survival. In this incident, the driver of the Nissan Versa was not restrained and suffered fatal injuries, while the Subaru driver, who was wearing his seat belt, survived but sustained severe trauma. Data from the North Dakota Department of Transportation has long shown that seat belt usage significantly reduces the risk of death in serious crashes.
For residents in rural areas like Kidder County, emergency response times can add to the urgency of immediate medical intervention. The coordinated effort by multiple local and state agencies in this crash underscores how resource-intensive fatal interstate collisions can be.
Families affected by such tragedies are often left facing profound grief, financial strain, and difficult recovery journeys. Accessing both medical and legal support is crucial to navigating the aftermath of a fatal crash, particularly when life-threatening injuries and wrongful death considerations are involved.
Local Accident Reports is dedicated to providing timely updates and support for victims and families impacted by serious roadway incidents. If you or a loved one has been affected by a crash on I-94 or elsewhere in North Dakota, reach out to us today. We can help connect you with the resources you need to begin the process of recovery and healing.
