Grafton Area Injury Crash Closes I-29 Northbound Lanes

Grafton, ND – The North Dakota State Patrol is investigating a serious multi-vehicle crash that occurred on Monday, September 7, 2026, on northbound I-29, approximately 10 miles east of Grafton. The incident, which took place at mile marker 175, resulted in injuries to several individuals and necessitated a 90-minute closure of the northbound lanes.

According to the preliminary report, a 2024 GMC Sierra was traveling north in the right lane when it rear-ended a 2018 Toyota Yaris. The impact pushed the Yaris into the left lane, where it was struck by a 2017 Toyota Highlander. The driver of the GMC Sierra, a 50-year-old male from Bathgate, was not injured in the collision. Similarly, the occupants of the Toyota Highlander—a 22-year-old female driver and three passengers—also escaped without injury.

The driver and two passengers in the Toyota Yaris were not as fortunate. All three were transported to Altru Hospital in Grand Forks for treatment. Authorities noted that one of the passengers in the Yaris, a juvenile, required transport to Sanford Medical Center-Fargo due to serious, life-threatening injuries. Officials confirmed that the juvenile was not wearing a seatbelt at the time of the crash.

Multiple local agencies, including the Walsh County Sheriff's Office, the Grafton Volunteer Fire Department, and Valley Ambulance and Rescue, assisted at the scene. The North Dakota State Patrol has stated that the crash remains under active investigation, with charges pending for those involved. Road and weather conditions were reported as dry at the time of the 9:19 p.m. collision.

Have something happening in your community? Hit the red Post/Submit button above to share events, classifieds, stories and local updates with Country Herald.

SUPPORT LOCAL INDEPENDENT NEWS! Have a tip? Message us!