What: Injury Crash
Where: I-94 MM 217 (3 miles east of Tappen)
When: 12/24/2023 at 10:03 AM CST
Road Conditions: Icy/Slush
Weather Conditions: Cloudy
Crash Involvement: Vehicle
Type of Crash: Rollover
Agencies Involved: ND Highway Patrol, Steele Fire and Rescue, Kidder County Ambulance,
Tappen Fire and Rescue, Sanford AirMed
Vehicle No. 1: 2005 Chrysler Town & Country
Driver No. 1: Donald Bitzan, 33-year-old male from Casselton, ND, serious non-life-threatening Injuries
Restraints: Seatbelt in Use
Charges: No charges filed
Passenger No. 1: Tanya Bitzan, 32-year-old female from Casselton, ND, no injury
Restraints: Seatbelt in Use
Passenger No. 2-6: 1-, 3-, and 9-year-old females; 5- and 7-year-old male-no injuries
Restraints: All in appropriate child restraint devices
NARRATIVE: Donald Bitzan was traveling westbound on I-94 when he lost control of his
vehicle on icy/slush covered roads. Bitzan crossed the median and entered the eastbound
lanes. Vehicle rolled multiple times in the eastbound lanes. The vehicle came to rest on its roof
blocking the right lane of the eastbound lanes of I-94. Bitzan was transported to Steele by
Kidder County Ambulance and then life flighted by Sanford AirMed to Sanford Hospital in
Bismarck for serious non-life-threatening injuries. All other occupants were properly restrained
and not injured.
