Kidder County, N.D. — Two Killed, One Injured in Tragic Three-Vehicle Crash on Highway 3
A tragic accident on Friday evening, July 25, 2025, has left the community of Kidder County mourning the loss of two lives and praying for the recovery of another. According to the North Dakota Highway Patrol, a catastrophic three-vehicle collision occurred around 8:00 p.m. CST on Highway 3 near mile marker 126, under clear skies and favorable road conditions.
Authorities report that a 2008 Pontiac G6, driven by a 36-year-old man from Hensler, was traveling southbound in the northbound lane for reasons still under investigation. As the vehicle proceeded in the wrong direction, it sideswiped a 2013 Chevrolet Equinox heading north, before violently colliding head-on with a 2017 Ford F-150 pickup truck, also traveling northbound.
The impact of the crash was devastating.
Both the driver of the Pontiac G6 and the driver of the Ford F-150 — a 49-year-old man from Napoleon — were pronounced dead at the scene despite the rapid response from emergency personnel. Their names have not yet been released pending notification of next of kin. A passenger in the Ford, a 47-year-old male, sustained serious injuries and was transported to a nearby medical facility, where he is currently undergoing treatment. His condition is described as critical but stable.
The driver and sole occupant of the Chevrolet Equinox, a 39-year-old woman from Steele, miraculously escaped without physical injury. She was treated on the scene and released, though officials noted she was visibly shaken and deeply distressed.
The North Dakota Highway Patrol immediately launched an investigation into the incident. Preliminary findings suggest that the southbound Pontiac G6 was driving on the wrong side of the divided highway for a yet undetermined amount of time before the crash occurred. It is unclear whether impairment, fatigue, or medical issues played a role. A full toxicology report is pending, and authorities continue to examine evidence from the crash site, including dashcam footage, vehicle telemetry, and witness statements.
Highway 3 was closed for several hours Friday night as first responders worked to treat victims, secure the area, and reconstruct the accident. Traffic was rerouted, and the roadway did not reopen until the early hours of Saturday morning.
The loss has sent shockwaves through the small, close-knit communities of Hensler and Napoleon, where both deceased men were known and respected. Family, friends, and neighbors have begun placing tributes and flowers near the crash site as they attempt to process the sudden, heartbreaking loss.
In a public statement, the North Dakota Highway Patrol extended condolences to the victims’ families and reminded the public of the importance of road vigilance.
“This is a tragic reminder of how quickly lives can be lost on our roadways,” a spokesperson said. “We urge all drivers to stay alert, follow posted signs, and never assume the road is safe simply because conditions are good. Our hearts go out to everyone affected.”
Funeral arrangements for the two men who lost their lives are expected to be announced in the coming days. Meanwhile, community members have begun organizing support for the surviving crash victim and the grieving families, including fundraising efforts and prayer vigils.
Anyone who may have witnessed the crash or saw the Pontiac G6 traveling in the wrong direction prior to the collision is urged to contact the North Dakota Highway Patrol as the investigation continues.
This tragedy serves as a somber reminder that even on clear evenings with good visibility, a single moment of error on the road can forever change the lives of many.
May those who lost their lives rest in peace, and may healing come to all affected by this unimaginable tragedy.