PENNINGTON COUNTY, S.D. — Two Illinois residents died and one was injured in a three-vehicle crash on U.S. Highway 385 on August 6.
The collision occurred at 1:51 p.m. near mile marker 89, approximately 8 miles northeast of Hill City. U.S. Highway 385 was closed for about four hours following the incident.
Kurt D. Klokkenga, 69, of Emden, Illinois, and his passenger, Regina K. Klokkenga, 69, were riding a 1953 Harley-Davidson when their motorcycle collided with a 2011 Toyota 4Runner, driven by Ann Mischell, 67. Authorities reported that Mischell was waiting to turn onto Wrinkle Valley Road when the accident happened.
The crash also involved a second motorcycle, operated by Kendall D. Klokkenga, 72, of Glendale, Arizona. As the two motorcycles attempted to stop, one locked its brakes, leading to the collision. Kurt Klokkenga’s motorcycle struck the Toyota and subsequently caught fire, which spread to the Toyota.
Kurt and Regina Klokkenga both suffered fatal injuries while Kendall Klokkenga was taken to a Rapid City hospital with serious, non-life-threatening injuries. His helmet use is still under investigation. Mischell and her passenger, Nancy Turner, 62, were uninjured and wearing seat belts.
The South Dakota Highway Patrol is investigating the crash. All information is preliminary.