Four Dead in Moody County Interstate 29 Crash
MOODY COUNTY, SD — Four individuals died in a three-vehicle crash on Interstate 29 Monday evening, authorities confirmed Tuesday.
An 88-year-old man from Hendricks, Minnesota, was driving a 2020 Ford Ranger north in the southbound lanes near mile marker 119, about 10 miles north of Colman, at approximately 8:35 p.m. The Ranger collided head-on with a 2003 Dodge Caravan, which was in the process of passing a 2017 Peterbilt 389 semi truck.
The impact caused the Peterbilt to strike the Dodge Caravan. The Caravan had a 15-year-old female driver and three underage passengers, all from Flandreau. The driver and two passengers, ages 12 and 16, suffered fatal injuries. Another 12-year-old passenger is hospitalized in Sioux Falls with life-threatening injuries.
The driver of the Ford Ranger, also unrestrained, was ejected and pronounced dead at the scene. The semi truck driver, a 59-year-old man from Arlington, was unharmed.
Southbound lanes of I-29 were closed for six hours for investigation and towing. Further details about the crash remain preliminary, with an ongoing investigation by the South Dakota Highway Patrol.
Emergency response included the Moody County Sheriff's Office, Colman Fire Department, Flandreau Ambulance, Brookings EMS, and the South Dakota Highway Patrol.
In response, Flandreau Public Schools postponed classes until 10 a.m. on Tuesday, providing counseling services for students and staff. The school also canceled a home volleyball game scheduled for the evening.
Condolences have been expressed by Flandreau Indian School and the Flandreau City Government, emphasizing community support during this tragedy.