KIDDER COUNTY, N.D. — The North Dakota Highway Patrol has released the names of the two men who were killed in a violent multi-vehicle crash that occurred Friday evening in rural Kidder County.
Authorities say the crash happened when a car traveling on the wrong side of the road sideswiped an oncoming SUV. The impact caused the car to go airborne, landing on a second vehicle traveling in the opposite direction.
The drivers of both the airborne car and the struck vehicle were ejected from their cars and died at the scene. They have been identified as:
- Matthew Yunker, 36, of Hensler, North Dakota
- Milton Jeffries, 61, of Eagle Butte, South Dakota
Neither man was wearing a seatbelt at the time of the crash, according to troopers.
A passenger in the second vehicle, Mahlon Jeffries, 62, also from Eagle Butte, sustained serious injuries and was airlifted to a hospital for emergency treatment. His condition has not been updated as of this report.
The driver of the SUV that was sideswiped was uninjured. Authorities noted he was wearing a seatbelt, which may have prevented more serious harm.
The crash remains under investigation by the North Dakota Highway Patrol. Officials have not yet determined why the car was on the wrong side of the roadway. This tragic incident underscores the critical importance of seatbelt use and safe driving practices on rural roads.
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