Fatal Crash Confirmed on 20th Avenue SE; South Dakota Highway Patrol Investigates

Northeast Radio SD News - Watertown, SD - A California man was fatally injured early this morning in a two-vehicle crash involving a pickup truck and a semi-truck at the intersection of S. Broadway Street and 20th Avenue SE, according to a release from the South Dakota Department of Public Safety (DPS).

The crash occurred at approximately 6:32 a.m., Tuesday, December 2, 2025.

Preliminary information released by the South Dakota Highway Patrol indicates that a 2019 Dodge Ram 1500 pickup truck, driven by a 29-year-old male from Oceanside, California, was traveling west on 20th Avenue SE when the vehicle crossed into the eastbound lane. It collided with an eastbound 2006 Peterbilt Conventional 379 semi-truck.

The driver of the Dodge Ram sustained fatal injuries and was pronounced deceased at the scene. He was reported to have been wearing a seat belt. The driver of the Peterbilt, a 54-year-old male from Watertown, was uninjured and wearing a seat belt.

The names of the individuals involved have not been released pending notification of family members. The South Dakota Highway Patrol is investigating the cause and full circumstances of the crash.

WFR Response

As initially reported by Northeast Radio SD, Watertown Fire Rescue (WFR) units were dispatched at approximately 6:30 a.m. to the 200 block of 20th Ave SE.

Responding units, including Engine 4, Medic 4, and Medic 5, found the scene severely damaged. Due to the extent of the damage to the pickup truck, WFR crews were immediately required to deploy the Jaws of Life to extricate the trapped driver successfully. WFR crews remained on site for approximately one hour and 30 minutes for rescue and clearing operations.

The incident serves as a reminder of the need for extreme caution during early-morning commutes, especially in potentially slick or frost-covered conditions.