What: Road Closure/Property Damage Only Crash
Where: I-94, westbound lane, mile marker 132, 2 miles east of New Salem
When: April 1, 2023, 3:45 PM CT
Road Conditions: Good seasonal driving, dry.
Weather Conditions: Sunny, 37 degrees, 16 mph winds gusting to 23 mph.
Crash Involvement: Combine vs. Tractor-Trailer
Type of Crash: Rear-end
Agencies Involved: North Dakota Highway Patrol
Vehicle No. 1: 2005 Peterbilt with tanker trailer loaded with diesel fuel.
Driver No. 1: Thomas Johnson, Bismarck possible minor injuries
Restraints: Seat belt in use
Charges: None
Vehicle No. 2: 1996 John Deere 9650 combine
Driver No. 2: Michael Schaaf, Glen Ullin Not injured
Restraints: Under investigation
Charges: Care Required
Roadway Closed: I-94 Location: Westbound Lane from Exit 134 to New Salem (Exit 127) Traffic was rerouted to Highway 10 between those locations.
Duration: 2 hours, 38 minutes, from 4:10 PM CT to 6:48 PM CT
NARRATIVE: On April 1st, 2023, at approximately 3:45 CT 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.
