Crash sends three to hospital

A three-vehicle crash early Wednesday morning sent three to the hospital and caused an estimated $42,000 in damage, according to the North Dakota Highway Patrol.

The accident happened shortly after 1 a.m. on Interstate 94 by mile marker 299, near Valley City.

Trent W. Fore, 26, Hewitt, Minn., was driving a 2007 Sterling truck and trailer westbound in the passing lane. Fore drifted outside of the lane and onto the shoulder of the median and overcorrected which caused the vehicle to tip onto its driver’s side.

Preston J. Bush, 62, Oriska, N.D., was driving a 2002 Buick Regal westbound and struck the truck and trailer while it was sliding in the median and passing lane.

Both vehicles came to a rest, Fore in the driving lane and Bush in the passing lane and median.

Dean M. Unser, 63, Mandan, N.D., was driving a 2000 Chevy Silverado westbound and struck Bush as the vehicle was sitting in the driving lane.

Road conditions were icy and slick and the weather was snow and flurries.

Fore was extricated from the truck by Barnes County Fire and Rescue and all three drivers were transported to Mercy Hospital, Valley City. Fore was later transported to Sanford Health, Fargo.

All three drivers had seat belts on.

Fore was transporting hazardous materials, which did not leak or cause a safety concern for the public, the patrol said.

Damage was estimated at $29,000 to the Sterling truck and trailer, more than $7,000 to the Buick, which was totaled, and $6,000 to the Chevy.

Fore was cited for failed to maintain lane.

Tags: daily updates, north dakota, valley city, north dakota highway patrol, news, crash