HILL CITY, S.D. (KOTA) – Two people from Illinois were killed in a crash involving multiple vehicles Thursday afternoon on Highway 385.
The accident occurred around 2:41 p.m. near mile marker 89 and involved a 1953 Harley Davidson, a 1956 Harley Davidson, and a Toyota 4Runner. Authorities reported that the motorcycles were traveling north, while the Toyota was stopped in the northbound lane to turn onto Wrinkle Valley Road.
A vehicle between the motorcycles and the Toyota passed the stopped 4Runner on the shoulder, leading the Harley riders to attempt to stop, causing their brakes to lock. The 1956 Harley Davidson fell onto the road, resulting in moderate injuries to the 72-year-old male driver.
The 1953 Harley Davidson subsequently collided with the Toyota, igniting upon impact. The 69-year-old male driver and his 69-year-old female passenger sustained fatal injuries, while the 67-year-old female driver of the 4Runner and a 62-year-old passenger were unharmed.
Highway 385 was closed for approximately four hours during the response and investigation. Names of the deceased are being withheld pending family notification.