PENNINGTON AND LAWRENCE COUNTIES, S.D. (KOTA) – Multiple fatal motorcycle accidents occurred in the Black Hills area on August 7, coinciding with the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally.
Two fatal crashes happened on Thursday, August 6. The first incident involved two motorcycle riders from Emden, Illinois, who died when their Harley-Davidsons collided with a turning vehicle on U.S. Highway 385 near Wrinkle Valley Road. A third rider sustained serious, non-life-threatening injuries and was transported to a Rapid City hospital. Highway 385 was closed for approximately four hours following the crash.
Later that day, a 46-year-old woman from Sioux Falls was killed on U.S. Highway 14A when a westbound motorcycle failed to negotiate a curve and crossed into her lane. Both riders were wearing helmets at the time of the collision.
Previously, on August 1, a fatal crash occurred on Bombing Range Road near Scenic in Pennington County.
According to authorities, the Pennington County Sheriff’s Office is actively patrolling the area as a safety measure for visitors. They emphasize the importance of slowing down, maintaining distance, and being aware of surroundings on the roads.
The South Dakota Highway Patrol is currently investigating the Highway 385 crash and the circumstances surrounding the other incidents. Names of the deceased have not yet been released pending family notification. As the Sturgis Rally continues, multiple additional crashes have been reported.