NEW SALEM, N.D. (NewsDakota.com) – A semi struck the rear of a combine on Interstate 94 on Saturday, April 1st, 2023 at approximately 3:45pm about two miles east of New Salem, North Dakota.
The North Dakota Highway Patrol gave this description of the crash, a John Deere 9650 combine was traveling west on I-94, from Mandan to Glen Ullin, ND. The combine did not have a header attached and had been traveling on the right shoulder. A Kenworth truck-tractor, hauling diesel fuel, was also traveling west on I-94 from Mandan, heading to Richardton, ND. As the combine approached the 41st Avenue overpass, the driver drove into both lanes to cross the bridge. The semi driver applied the brakes and attempted to evade by steering but was unable to avoid a collision with the rear of the combine. The combine spun laterally to the left. Both units came to rest with the semi facing west with the combine interlocked with it facing south on the bridge.
No hazardous materials were released. No serious injuries were reported or observed. The roadway was not passable by traffic at the bridge. Traffic was rerouted, in the westbound lane only, at exit 134 to Highway 10 to New Salem for approximately 2 hours and 38 minutes. This crash is under investigation by the North Dakota Highway Patrol.