Barnes County, ND — August 14, 2025, One person was killed following an 18-wheeler accident that occurred at around 4:41 P.M. on I-94.

According to reports, an 18-wheeler operated by a 37-year-old driver was traveling at high speeds on Interstate 94 near mile marker 276, when it lost control and left the roadway where it entered a slough and crashed.

When first responders arrived they found the driver critically injured and transported them to the hospital where they were later pronounced deceased. No other vehicles were involved in the crash, and officials have not released the identity of the driver at this time.

Commentary by Attorney Michael Grossman

What’s not yet clear from the reports is why the 18-wheeler lost control in the first place. The mention of “high speeds” raises questions, but speed alone doesn’t explain why a truck left the roadway and ended up in a slough. Was the driver reacting to something in traffic? Did fatigue or distraction play a role? Could a mechanical failure, like brakes or a tire blowout, have contributed? Until investigators examine the evidence, those remain unanswered questions.

A thorough review should start with the truck’s engine control module (“black box”), which would confirm the vehicle’s exact speed, throttle, and braking just before the crash. If the truck had in-cab cameras, they could show whether the driver faced an obstacle or was struggling to stay alert. Mechanical inspections will be needed to rule out equipment failures. Cargo securement should also be examined, since a sudden load shift at highway speed can quickly destabilize a truck.

In my experience, cases like this often involve more than one factor. Company records may reveal whether the driver was under pressure to meet a schedule or if hours-of-service rules were followed. Only by piecing together those elements—driver condition, vehicle performance, cargo, and company practices—can investigators arrive at the real cause of the crash.

Key Takeaways:

• A full investigation is needed before anyone can draw conclusions about fault.

• Reports confirm high speed but don’t yet explain why the truck lost control.

• Black box data, in-cab cameras, and mechanical inspections are essential to understanding the crash.

• Cargo securement and driver work schedules should be reviewed as potential contributors.