Drake  (CSi)  The North Dakota Highway Patrol reports, a head-on crash between a pickup and a semi- triple trailer about 8-a.m., Tuesday claimed the life of the 31-year old pickup driver.

The crash occurred on Highway 52, five miles north of Drake.

The reports says the Ford pickup operated by 31 year old Robert Keith of Granville was eastbound and the Freightliner operated by 32 year old Jesse Thiele of Minot,  was westbound on Highway 52. The Ford crossed the centerline and was struck head-on by the Freightliner. The Ford spun counterclockwise and came to rest on the shoulder. The Freightliner left the road and jackknifed. The cab overturned and came to rest in the ditch. The Freightliner’s triple trailer combination came to rest upright behind the semi.

Thiele was extricated and flown to Minot for treatment of non-life-threatening injuries. Robert Keith died on scene.

Hwy 52 was closed for three hours while the scene was cleared.

Names, and home towns  will be released Wednesday.

Assisting at the scene Velva Ambulance Service,  McHenry County Sheriff’s Office, Drake Fire and Rescue, Harvey Fire and Rescue,  and Northstar Life Flight.