STURGIS, S.D. – Authorities say driver inattention is to blame for starting a crash that involved 13 vehicles on I-90 Monday afternoon.
Department of Public Safety Public Information Officer Tony Mangan says the initial crash started when a Freightliner semi-truck with trailer was traveling eastbound when it failed to slow down for a snow plow in the passing lane.
The Freightliner ended up striking the snow plow due to another semi truck in the right lane. The Freightliner then struck the guardrail before into the ditch. The Peterbilt jack-knifed across both lanes of travel and three vehicles traveling behind the melee took the median to avoid hitting the Peterbilt.
Seven additional vehicles were involved in a secondary crash when they attempted to avoid collisions but either hit other vehicles or the guard rail. The vehicles included two pickups, a pickup trailer, two semi-trucks with trailers, a compact car, and a FedEx truck. Three drivers from the secondary crash sustained minor injuries and were taken to Sturgis Hospital.
Driver inattention is thought to be the reason for the initial crash and charges are pending against the driver of the Freightliner. Weather conditions at the time appear to be the cause of the secondary crashes.
The South Dakota Highway Patrol is leading the investigation.
