Multiple vehicle pile-up closes Interstate 29 north of Dell Rapids

Alfonzo Galvan

| Sioux Falls Argus Leader

Authorities are responding to a multiple vehicle pileup on Interstate 29 involving up to 20 cars and semifinals, according to Metro Communications.

The pileup was reported close to mile marker 99 on Interstate 29. The northern lanes are being closed at exit 98 of Dell Rapids as a result of the accident, according to Tony Mangan, a spokesman for the Department of Public Security.

Dell Rapids volunteer firefighter Rick Morris said there are at least a dozen cars and a dozen semifinals involved in the pileup, with several non-fatal injuries. Vehicles are stuck on the road and large debris is also blocking the road. He said that some emergency response vehicles are stuck.

Ambulances and fire trucks from Dell Rapids and Flandreau were called to the scene, and several injuries were reported, according to traffic from the scanners.

There are injuries, but the extent is not known, according to Mangan. Visibility in the area is zero due to strong winds and snow.

More: No travel recommended on most roads in central and eastern South Dakota

As of noon, authorities are receiving an influx of accident and vehicle calls in ditches.

Meanwhile, an accident with injuries was reported on Interstate 90 near the 390 mile mark at around 1 pm, and roads to the west of the interstate were being closed west of Sioux Falls on Interstate 29.

No travel is advised on almost all roads in central and eastern South Dakota, and conditions are likely to remain bad throughout the day.

Strong winds and snow made their way through most of the central part of the state on Tuesday morning before reaching the Sioux Falls area at around 9 am. 1.4 inches. Wind gusts have so far peaked at around 54 mph in the area.

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