Fargo, ND (May 23, 2026) – A three-vehicle crash left several people injured late on Thursday night, May 21, around 11:45 pm, at the intersection of 42nd Street South and 52nd Avenue South in Fargo.
According to preliminary reports, a 2009 Chevrolet Impala was traveling southbound on 42nd Street South at about 45 mph when it entered the intersection against a red light. A westbound 2024 Chevrolet Equinox had already entered the crossing when the Impala struck the driver’s side of the SUV. The Equinox then traveled off the roadway and overturned.
After the initial collision, the Impala rotated before being struck from behind by a 2017 Jeep Grand Cherokee. The 21-year-old man driving the Impala and a 19-year-old passenger from Grand Forks both suffered serious injuries. A 41-year-old woman driving the Equinox also sustained serious harm, while the 53-year-old woman driving the Jeep reported minor injuries.
Everyone involved was taken to Essentia Health for treatment. Investigators said impairment is suspected, and the driver of the Impala faces several charges, including driving under the influence and criminal vehicular injury. Troopers continue examining the factors that led to the wreck. We send our thoughts to everyone recovering from this devastating roadway collision.
Why Red-Light T-Bone Crashes Often Cause Severe Injuries
T-bone crashes frequently lead to serious harm because the side of a vehicle offers less protection than the front or rear. When one vehicle enters an intersection against a traffic signal, the resulting angle of contact can force another vehicle off the roadway or even cause it to overturn. Higher travel speeds can increase the force involved and raise the risk of major injuries.
Seat belt use is another factor commonly reviewed after these types of roadway collisions. Unrestrained occupants may be more likely to be thrown against interior surfaces during sudden movement. Lighting conditions, traffic signal timing, and vehicle movement through the intersection are also often examined to help determine how the sequence unfolded.
