A 47-year-old Harvey man died Monday afternoon after his pickup truck collided with a combine at an uncontrolled rural intersection in Wells County, according to the North Dakota Highway Patrol. The crash happened around 1 p.m. The truck driver was not wearing a seatbelt and was pronounced dead at the scene. The combine driver was not hurt.
The crash occurred on a rural road south of Harvey, where many farm vehicles are active during harvest season. According to the North Dakota Highway Patrol, the pickup struck the combine at an uncontrolled intersection — a common layout on rural gravel roads.
Authorities say seatbelts remain a critical factor in surviving serious crashes. The incident also highlights the dangers at uncontrolled intersections, especially during busy farm work periods.
North Dakota often sees an increase in agriculture-related roadway incidents during the fall harvest. State safety officials continue reminding drivers to slow down, look carefully at intersections, and always wear seatbelts.
"Rural intersections can be especially dangerous because drivers may assume no one else is coming," said Sgt. Mark Peterson with the NDHP. “This tragedy is a reminder to slow down, stop fully, and buckle up.”
Local residents echoed concerns. “Farm equipment is huge and slow-moving. People need to take extra caution this time of year,” said nearby farmer Larry Schmidt.
The North Dakota Department of Transportation has long urged vigilance. “Seatbelts save lives. This crash reinforces the importance of that simple choice,” the agency noted in a safety advisory.
This fatal crash is a painful reminder of how quickly a routine drive can turn tragic. Law enforcement urges drivers across North Dakota — especially in rural areas — to buckle up, slow down, and stay alert at uncontrolled intersections. Harvest season means extra traffic, and every life matters.
