Three Dead in Fiery Crash on Interstate 90 Near Sioux Falls
Three people were killed in a fiery multiple-vehicle crash on Monday afternoon on Interstate 90 about 13 miles west of Sioux Falls, South Dakota. A Minnesota man and two Alabama residents have been identified as the victims.
Fatal Head-On Collision
According to the South Dakota Department of Public Safety, a westbound 2014 Ram 3500 pickup truck driven by 32-year-old Oday Qabsees sideswiped multiple vehicles before crossing over into the eastbound lane and colliding head-on with a 2018 Thor Motor Coach RV.
Both vehicles burst into flames upon impact, destroying identifying features and documents and making positive identification of the victims difficult initially.
Three Confirmed Fatalities
The driver of the pickup truck, Qabsees, sustained fatal injuries in the crash. The driver of the RV, 58-year-old Stephen Hudson of Alabama, was also killed. 60-year-old Brenda Hudson of Alabama, a passenger in the RV, likewise did not survive the collision.
All three victims were pronounced dead at the scene by first responders. Their identities were later confirmed after the fire was extinguished.
Traffic Rerouted Around Crash Site
The crash occurred around 4:16 p.m. at mile marker 382 on I-90. Both the eastbound and westbound lanes were temporarily closed to traffic. Vehicles were rerouted to alternate routes as crews worked to clear debris from the roadway.
The closures caused major traffic delays in the area during rush hour. Interstate 90 is a key transportation artery linking Sioux Falls to points west.
Investigation Underway
The South Dakota Highway Patrol is leading the investigation into the cause of the fatal crash. Exact details about how the collision occurred remain under investigation.
Information released so far about the sequence of events is considered preliminary. It remains unclear why Qabsees' vehicle crossed over into oncoming traffic.
The Highway Patrol is part of the South Dakota Department of Public Safety. The agency will examine evidence from the scene and conduct interviews with witnesses as part of its standard crash investigation procedures.
Fiery Crashes Remain a Concern
While traffic fatalities in South Dakota have declined in recent years, deadly crashes continue to be an issue. According to state data, there were over 130 traffic deaths in 2021.
Fires after crashes have proven especially dangerous. In 2021, at least 19 people died in fiery crashes on South Dakota roads.
Modern vehicles often contain many plastic components that can burn rapidly after an impact. Fuel system leaks also increase the risk of post-crash fires.
Preventing Crossover Accidents
Head-on collisions are among the most severe types of crashes. When vehicles strike each other directly at high speeds, the force of impact is extreme.
Crossover accidents, where a vehicle leaves its own lane and enters oncoming traffic, are particularly dangerous on high-speed roads like I-90.
Transportation safety advocates have called for stronger measures to prevent crossover crashes. These may include cable barriers in highway medians. More frequent use of rumble strips along the roadway edges has also been proposed.
Increased public awareness about the hazards of distracted or drowsy driving may help reduce crossover incidents in the future. Many occur when drivers drift out of their lane.
Conclusion
The tragic multi-vehicle crash near Sioux Falls serves as an urgent reminder about the need to improve traffic safety. As investigators piece together the sequence of events, many will be asking what more can be done to prevent similar catastrophic collisions.
Reducing risks on busy roads like I-90 requires a comprehensive approach, including updated infrastructure, proactive driver education campaigns, and modern vehicle safety features. By working together, government agencies, safety groups, and the public can help make deadly crossover crashes a thing of the past.
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