Fall River County, SD (February 26, 2025) – A tragic crash on U.S. Highway 18, about eight miles east of Oelrichs, resulted in two fatalities and one injury late Monday night after a vehicle fled from a traffic stop and overturned.
According to the South Dakota Highway Patrol, the incident began at 9:59 p.m. when authorities pulled over a 2008 Chevrolet Silverado for a DUI investigation. The driver exited the vehicle during the stop, but the front-seat passenger took control of the truck and fled eastbound at high speed.
At mile marker 73, the fleeing driver lost control while navigating a curve. The truck left the roadway and rolled multiple times, ejecting two of the occupants.
A 28-year-old male from Rapid City, who had been the original passenger but took control of the vehicle, was ejected and sustained fatal injuries. Authorities confirmed that he was not wearing a seat belt.
A 23-year-old male passenger from Oglala was also killed in the crash. He was wearing a seat belt at the time.
A 44-year-old male passenger from Oglala was ejected from the vehicle and sustained serious but non-life-threatening injuries. Authorities are still investigating his seat belt usage at the time of the crash.
The names of those involved are being withheld pending family notifications. The South Dakota Highway Patrol continues to investigate the incident.
We would like to extend our condolences to the family and friends of the deceased victims. We also hope that the other victims recover swiftly.
High-Speed Crashes and Traffic Stop Fleeing Incidents in South Dakota
Fleeing from a traffic stop poses extreme risks, often resulting in high-speed crashes with devastating consequences. When a driver panics or attempts to evade law enforcement, reckless maneuvers can lead to rollovers, loss of control, and catastrophic injuries.
Rural highways like US Highway 18, with sharp curves, limited lighting, and high-speed limits, become particularly dangerous for fleeing vehicles. South Dakota crash data indicates that rollover crashes account for a significant percentage of traffic fatalities, often involving unrestrained occupants who are ejected from the vehicle.
The tragic consequences of this crash highlight the importance of safe driving, seat belt use, and compliance with law enforcement directives. Accidents caused by reckless actions can leave survivors facing long-term medical challenges and financial burdens.
If you or a loved one has been affected by a serious crash, Local Accident Reports provides important resources to help with the recovery process.