KIDDER COUNTY, N.D. — 20-year-old Malachi Stein of Bismarck tragically lost his life in a crash on Interstate 94 eastbound near Steele on Thursday morning, authorities confirmed. Stein, driving a 2012 Nissan Versa, was not wearing a seatbelt and was pronounced dead at the scene.
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The crash occurred around 6:40 a.m. near mile marker 196 amid heavy fog, according to the North Dakota Highway Patrol. Stein’s vehicle struck the rear of a 2023 Subaru Crosstrek driven by 63-year-old Scott Johnson of New Meadows, Idaho. Johnson sustained life-threatening injuries and was transported to a nearby hospital for emergency care.
Multiple agencies responded to the scene, including the Kidder County Sheriff’s Office, Steele Fire Department, Kidder Ambulance, Metro Area Ambulance, North Dakota Game and Fish, and the North Dakota Department of Transportation.
Authorities are continuing their investigation into the crash. They are urging drivers to exercise extreme caution in foggy conditions and to always wear seatbelts to prevent such tragic outcomes. Further updates will be provided as more information becomes available.