The Latest News about South Dakota Car and Truck Accidents

Humboldt Woman Dies in Fatal I-90 Pile Up; Fog, Ice & Speed Factors

Krista Lynn Serrao, 37, of Humboldt, South Dakota, died in a fatal multi-vehicle crash on Wednesday, January 25, 2012. The motor vehicle accident occurred at approximately 8:30 a.m. on Interstate 90, five miles east of the Alexandria exit. The crash involved a South Dakota Department of Transportation (DOT) plow, a pick-up truck pulling a camper, a semi-truck and the car driven by Serrao. Fog, ice and speed were all factors leading to this crash.

According to the South Dakota Highway Patrol, the DOT plow was driving down the westbound lane at approximately 15 miles per hour spreading salt on the roads. The accident occurred when a semi-truck following the plow pulled to the side to pass, but the pick-up truck that was behind the semi-truck could not stop for the plow once the semi-truck moved into the other lane. The pick-up truck hit the plow and the car behind it spun out. A second semi-truck then hit the car Serrao was driving, which caused her death.

While there were four motor vehicles involved in the pile up, other vehicles had to avoid the crash by driving into a ditch. According to semi-truck driver, Jesse Weniger, who pulled his semi-truck into the ditch to avoid the pile up, the visibility on the roads was only about 50 yards that morning.

The South Dakota Highway Patrol cautioned vehicles to slow down and give the plows room to salt the roads.

The other drivers involved in the crash were not injured.

This is a tragic accident and we extend our deepest condolences to the family and friends of Krista Lynn Serrao. Our thoughts are with them during this difficult time.

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