McKenzie County Three Vehicle Injury Crash

On June 6 at 2:39 p.m. CT there was a three-vehicle injury crash on HWY 23 Mile Marker 33, approximately 14 miles west of New Town.

A 1969 Ford Mustang with its left turn signal activated was stopped near the fog line facing west waiting to make a left turn off Highway 23 onto a gravel road. The Ford Mustang was waiting for a 2022 Ford F-150 traveling east on Highway 23 before turning left onto the gravel road. A 2005 Nissan Murano was also traveling west on Highway 23 behind the Ford Mustang. The Nissan Murano struck the rear of the Ford Mustang. The Ford Mustang came to rest in the north ditch of Highway 23. The Nissan Murano entered the east lane of Highway 23 and struck the 2022 Ford F-150. The Nissan Murano came to rest in the middle of Highway 23. The Ford F-150 came to rest on the shoulder of the road.

Ronald Klimpel, driver of the Ford Mustang, sustained serious injuries and was flown to Sanford Hospital in Bismarck. Linda Klimpel, passenger in the Ford Mustang, sustained minor injuries and was released on scene. Richard Booker, driver of the Nissan Murano, sustained serious injuries and was transported to McKenzie County Health in Watford City and later transferred to Sanford Hospital in Fargo. Ausha Scales, passenger in the Nissan Murano, sustained serious injuries and was flown to Sanford Hospital in Fargo. The 8 year old juvenile male passenger in the Nissan Murano sustained serious injuries and was flown to Trinity Health in Minot. The 8-year-old juvenile male was later transferred to Sanford Hospital in Fargo. Phillip Tyra, driver of the Ford F-150 sustained minor injuries and was released on scene.

The crash remains under investigation by the Highway Patrol.