CASSELTON, N.D. (NewsDakota.com) – A two-vehicle crash on icy roads along Interstate 94 left one man dead and another person seriously injured Wednesday, November 20th.

The crash occurred at approximately 6:20 p.m. near mile marker 318, about 12 miles west of Casselton, amid falling and blowing snow that reduced visibility.

The North Dakota Highway Patrol said a 2013 Freightliner semi-tractor towing a van trailer jackknifed after the driver 37-year-old Sahardid Guhad of St. Cloud, MN attempted to brake near two other jackknifed commercial vehicles in the median. The semi came to rest across the eastbound lanes, blocking traffic.

A 2024 Volkswagen Tiguan traveling in the right lane collided with the driver’s side of the trailer, becoming wedged underneath.

The driver of the Volkswagen, 75-year-old Rolf Aufforth of Bowbells, ND was pronounced dead at the scene. His passenger, a 72-year-old Vickie Aufforth, sustained serious injuries and was transported to Sanford Hospital in Fargo by Casselton Ambulance. Both occupants of the Volkswagen were wearing seat belts. The driver of the semi was uninjured.

Responding agencies included the North Dakota Highway Patrol, Cass County Sheriff’s Office, Buffalo and Casselton fire departments, and multiple ambulance services.