Grenora, ND — January 10, 2025, Hunter McLean and Anthony Brumfield were injured in a truck accident at about 9 a.m. on Williams County Road 5.
Authorities said a 2020 Kenworth semi-truck was headed north on the icy road when it slowed to make a left turn. It was struck from behind by a 2015 Freightliner that had just come over a small hill about a mile south of Grenora.
Hunter McLean, the 27-year-old man who was driving the Freightliner, suffered serious injuries in the crash, according to authorities. He was transported to an area hospital.
The other driver, Anthony Brumfield, 58, sustained minor injuries, authorities said.
The Williams County crash occurred near a disposal site for oilfield waste. It is still being investigated by state authorities.
Commentary by Attorney Michael Grossman
This crash highlights the risks of operating large vehicles in areas with limited visibility and frequent heavy traffic, such as near industrial disposal sites. When one truck strikes another from behind, it raises important questions about the actions of the trailing driver, the conditions of the road, and whether the lead driver provided adequate warning of his intentions.
The first area of focus is why the Freightliner failed to stop in time. Did the driver of the trailing truck have enough time to see the slowing truck and react appropriately? Factors like distraction, speeding or following too closely could have played a role. Investigators will likely examine the Freightliner’s engine control module (ECM) to determine its speed, braking activity and throttle usage before the collision.
The small hill mentioned in the report could have limited the Freightliner driver’s ability to see the Kenworth in time. Investigators should assess whether the road’s design contributed to the crash. Was the incline steep enough to obscure visibility, and if so, were there warning signs or other indicators to alert drivers of the potential hazard?
Another important aspect is whether the Kenworth driver signaled his intent to turn with enough notice. Turn signals and brake lights are critical for communicating with other drivers, especially when slowing to make a left turn. Investigators will need to confirm that these systems were functioning and used properly.
Finally, the context of the crash near an oilfield waste disposal site is significant. Such locations often see frequent traffic from heavy vehicles, and the road may be subject to wear and tear that affects traction or navigation. The condition of the roadway and whether it was adequately maintained should be part of the investigation.
For the injured drivers, finding out what went wrong is essential. Determining whether the crash was caused by driver error, road design or some combination of factors will be critical to assigning responsibility and identifying ways to reduce the risk of similar incidents in the future.
