North Dakota Highway Patrol involved in head-on crash on Bismarck highway

BISMARCK, N.D.(KFGO) – Early Sunday morning, a North Dakota Highway Patrol car was struck head-on by a vehicle traveling the wrong way on US-83 near the Costco in north Bismarck.

A Trooper was parked stationary in the median on US-83 when he observed a car traveling south in the northbound lane. The trooper activated his red emergency lights and drove into the roadway to get the driver’s attention. Another vehicle took evasive action to avoid a collision. As the car got closer to the Highway Patrol vehicle with emergency lights activated, it drifted toward the median but swerved back into the roadway, striking the trooper’s vehicle head-on. The front airbags deployed on both vehicles.

The trooper sustained minor injuries and did not get transported to the hospital. The driver and passenger of the car were both transported to the hospital by Metro Ambulance with unknown injuries.

The driver was identified as Steven Kessel of Bismarck. He was charged with DUI, reckless endangerment, and driving with a suspended driver’s license.

The crash is being investigated by the Bismarck Police Department and Burleigh County Sheriff’s Office. The Highway Patrol is providing technical assistance in the investigation.