Semi-truck driver facing charges after I-29 crash

LINCOLN COUNTY, S.D. (Dakota News Now) - UPDATE 10:30 a.m.: Authorities say charges are pending against the driver of a semi-truck after an early morning crash on Interstate 29.

The accident took place around 4:45 a.m. Thursday one mile south of Sioux Falls, according to the South Dakota Highway Patrol.

Troopers say a semi was driving south in the left lane alongside a car driving in the right lane. The semi attempted to change lanes and ended up striking the car. The car became stuck under the semi-truck. The two vehicles crashed into the median and ended up in the northbound lanes. The trailer became separated and rolled over a concrete boulder onto the shoulder of the Interstate.

Authorities identified the driver of the semi as 23-year-old Amit Kumar of Winnipeg, Canada. He was not injured. Charges are pending against him.

The driver of the car, a 40-year-old woman, was hospitalized with minor injuries. Troopers say both drivers were wearing seat belts.

I-29 was closed for over three hours at mile marker 73 as crews cleaned up the scene.

UPDATE 8:15 AM: The Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office posted on Facebook that one lane of traffic on I-29 near the Tea exit going northbound is now open. Traffic is still backed up though, so drivers are being encouraged to use an alternate route.

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UPDATE: 7:05 AM: We’ve learned two vehicles were involved in Thursday morning’s crash. A car was heavily damaged and towed off the interstate about 6:30 AM. Crews believe that area of I-29 northbound near the Tea exit will be closed a while longer while they work to get the semi-truck off the interstate and the side of the road. We expect to learn more information about what exactly happened and the extent of the injuries in the crash later Thursday morning.

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UPDATE 6:15 AM: The Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office put out a post on its Facebook page that said this is an “injury crash.” Officials expect the interstate to be closed down for a few hours in that area of the Tea exit.

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Just before 5:00 AM Thursday morning, a semi-truck crashed on I-29 in Lincoln County. Dakota News Now reporter Scott Engen is at the crash and said the trailer of the semi overturned off the bridge near the Tea Exit.

The tractor portion of the semi-truck is sitting in the I-29 northbound lane, facing south though. At this point, officials have not confirmed exactly what happened or if anyone was injured in the incident.

Traffic is moving slowly in that area as it’s rerouted for drivers traveling northbound. They’re just being rerouted around the crash and are able to get back on the interstate in that area of the Tea exit.

This is a developing story. Stick with Dakota News Now and follow Scott Engen on Twitter for more updates.