Semi pulling from shoulder to road struck by cattle hauler, causing major fire on North Dakota interstate

The North Dakota Highway Patrol (NDHP) is investigating a fiery two truck crash that occurred early on Friday morning in Cass County.

The crash occurred shortly before 2:30 a.m. on February 28 in Fargo, North Dakota.

Troopers say that a 72 year old Minnesota resident was driving a Kenworth truck northbound, entering I-29, when he was struck from the rear by an empty cattle hauler driven by a 66 year old Manitoba resident.

According to local outlet KVRR, the Kenworth driver had stopped on the shoulder and was attempting to merge back onto the roadway when it was struck from behind at highway speed by the cattle hauler.

After the crash, the Kenworth came to a stop on the shoulder while the cattle hauler came to rest in the right lane.

The cattle hauler caught fire and was engulfed, but the driver was able to self-extricate.

The cattle hauler driver was hospitalized with minor injuries.

The NDHP lists unspecified charges pending against both truck drivers.

The crash is under investigation.

Responding agencies include the Cass County Sheriff’s Office, Fargo Fire Department, and Sanford Ambulance.