Hot Springs, SD (January 29, 2025) – A tragic accident west of Hot Springs claimed the life of a local woman and left two children injured after their vehicle collided with a farm tractor on Tuesday morning.
The incident occurred at approximately 7:18 a.m. on US Highway 18 near mile marker 29, about four miles west of Hot Springs. According to preliminary reports, a 47-year-old male was operating a New Holland Farm Tractor 860TL, traveling westbound while towing farm equipment. A 2011 Subaru Outback, driven by a 38-year-old female, was also traveling westbound when it collided with the rear of the tractor’s equipment.
The driver of the Subaru sustained fatal injuries and was pronounced deceased at the scene. Two child passengers, a 10-year-old male and a 6-year-old male from Fall River, were properly restrained in child safety seats at the time of the crash. The 10-year-old suffered serious but non-life-threatening injuries, while the 6-year-old sustained life-threatening injuries. Both children were transported to a Denver hospital for treatment.
The driver of the tractor sustained minor injuries. Authorities have not yet released the names of those involved, pending family notifications.
The South Dakota Highway Patrol is actively investigating the crash. Further details will be made available as the investigation continues. Our thoughts are with those affected by this tragic accident.
Fatal Crashes in South Dakota
South Dakota’s vast roadways, particularly those in rural areas, can pose significant risks to motorists. Agricultural vehicles like tractors often travel at reduced speeds, making rear-end collisions a concern, especially on highways where passenger vehicles travel at higher speeds.
According to data from the South Dakota Department of Public Safety, rural highway crashes account for a significant percentage of fatal accidents in the state. Factors such as reduced visibility, driver inattention, and differences in vehicle speed can contribute to collisions like the one that occurred in Fall River County.
Drivers in South Dakota should remain vigilant when traveling near slow-moving vehicles such as farm equipment. Maintaining a safe following distance, reducing speed in areas with frequent agricultural activity, and staying alert for warning signs indicating slow-moving vehicles can help prevent serious accidents.
As this investigation unfolds, authorities will work to determine whether additional factors, such as lighting conditions, visibility, or road conditions, played a role in this devastating collision.
For more information or to receive help after an accident, contact Local Accident Reports.