HILL CITY, S.D. (KOTA) – Two Illinois residents died in a three-vehicle crash on U.S. Highway 385, about eight miles northeast of Hill City, on August 6.
The crash occurred at approximately 1:51 p.m. when a 1953 Harley-Davidson motorcycle operated by 69-year-old Kurt D. Klokkenga collided with a stopped Toyota 4Runner.
According to the South Dakota Highway Patrol, Klokkenga and another motorcyclist, Kendall D. Klokkenga, 72, were traveling northbound when they encountered the stopped vehicle waiting to turn onto Wrinkle Valley Road.
As a fourth vehicle passed the Toyota on the shoulder, both motorcyclists braked. Kendall Klokkenga laid down his motorcycle while Kurt Klokkenga’s motorcycle struck the Toyota and erupted in flames, which then spread to the SUV.
Kurt Klokkenga and his passenger, Regina K. Klokkenga, 69, also of Emden, Illinois, died at the scene; both were wearing helmets. Kendall Klokkenga sustained serious but non-life-threatening injuries and was transported to a Rapid City hospital.
The driver of the Toyota, Ann Mischell, 67, and passenger Nancy Turner, 62, were unharmed.
Highway 385 was closed for approximately four hours for accident investigation and cleanup. The incident remains under investigation by authorities.