Five-Vehicle Chain Reaction Crash Snarls I-29 Near Watertown

Northeast Radio SD News - Watertown, SD - A stalled vehicle triggered a large multi-car pileup on Interstate 29 late Friday night, sending one person to the hospital and leaving three vehicles heavily damaged.

At approximately 11:30 p.m. on January 30, Watertown Fire Rescue (WFR) was dispatched to the southbound lanes of I-29, roughly three miles south of Watertown.

According to officials, the accident began when a southbound vehicle struck a stalled pickup truck in the roadway. The initial impact triggered a chain reaction involving three additional vehicles.

Watertown Fire Rescue arrived on the scene with Engine 4, Medic 3, and Medic 4. Emergency personnel evaluated two individuals at the site of the crash. One patient was subsequently transported to the Prairie Lakes Hospital Emergency Department for further treatment. The patient's current condition has not been released.

The crash left the interstate littered with wreckage. Crews reported that:

·        Three vehicles sustained significant damage.

·        Engine 4 remained on-site for approximately 30 minutes to clear debris and ensure the roadway was safe for travel.

·        Performance Towing assisted in removing the disabled vehicles.

The scene saw a coordinated response from several local agencies, including the Codington County Sheriff’s Office and the South Dakota Highway Patrol, who assisted with traffic control and the initial investigation.

Motorists are reminded to remain vigilant during night driving and to move over for emergency vehicles parked along the shoulder.