NEW TOWN – A Watford City resident died Saturday in a head-on crash between a semi and a minivan on N.D. Highway 23 near New Town

Eduardo Ochoa, 18, driver of the minivan died in the crash, according to the North Dakota Highway Patrol.

The Highway Patrol said the semi was going west on Highway 23 from Minot to Mandaree and the minivan was going east on Highway 23. The minivan crossed the center line of Highway 23 shortly after clearing the intersection with the Highway 23 Bypass. The semi driver applied brakes and steered right to evade. The minivan struck the semi head on in the westbound right turn lane. Ochoa was partially ejected from the minivan and pronounced dead at the scene. The driver of the semi, Alyssa Smith, 51, Kenmare, was not injured. The crash occurred at 5:54 a.m.

About one-fourth mile of Highway 23 was closed to traffic east of the bypass for about five hours to remove vehicles and debris.

The crash is being investigated by the Highway Patrol and Mountrail County Sheriff’s Office.