New details emerge after wrong-way crash kills 4 in South Dakota

News4 killed in South Dakota crash as new details emerge about what went wrongFour people, including three Flandreau Public Schools students, were killed in a wrong-way crash involving three vehicles on Interstate 29 in South Dakota. Getty ImagesA South Dakota community is mourning after a wrong-way crash on Interstate 29 killed four people, including three students, and left another child with life-threatening injuries.The three-vehicle crash happened about 8:35 p.m. Monday, Oct. 26, near Colman in Moody County, according to preliminary information from the South Dakota Department of Public Safety reported by the Moody County Enterprise. Authorities said an 88-year-old Minnesota man was driving a Ford Ranger north in the interstate’s southbound lanes. At the same time, a Dodge Grand Caravan driven by a 15-year-old girl was traveling south and attempting to pass a semi-truck. The van and pickup collided head-on before the semi struck the van, according to KELO-AM and other local reports. The 15-year-old driver and two passengers, girls ages 12 and 16, died. All three were students at Flandreau Public Schools. The pickup driver also died. Another 12-year-old girl in the van suffered life-threatening injuries and was taken to a Sioux Falls hospital. The semi driver was not hurt. Authorities said the four girls and pickup driver were not wearing seat belts and were ejected. The South Dakota Highway Patrol continued to investigate the crash, and officials said the initial findings were preliminary. The tragedy has prompted an outpouring of community support.The Boys & Girls Club of the Northern Plains, where the three students were members, is collecting donations to help their families, including assistance with funeral expenses. Flandreau Public Schools also made counseling resources available as students and staff cope with the deaths. Chris Pugh covers trending news and national breaking stories, focusing on the moments, conversations, and cultural flashpoints shaping the national news cycle. Chris worked as a digital reporter for...This article was produced with assistance from AI tools and reviewed by AL.com staff.