Names Released In Hutchinson County Fatal Crash

SCOTLAND, S.D. –  Names have been released of the two people who died last Tuesday, Nov. 22, 2002,  in a two-vehicle crash north of Scotland.

Preliminary crash information indicates that a 2010 Kenworth T800 semi-truck and trailer were traveling northbound on South Dakota Highway 25 when it crossed the center line while navigating a curve and struck a southbound 2013 Dodge Grand Caravan SXT Minivan.

Two people in the Dodge were pronounced dead at the scene. They were Jennifer Blewett of Scotland, S.D.,  the 49-year-old driver, and Herman Runge, Jr., of Sioux Falls, S.D.  Another passenger, 72-year-old -Susan Runge of Sioux Falls, S.D., suffered life-threatening injuries. She was transported by ambulance to the Scotland hospital and then airlifted to a Sioux Falls hospital. Susan Runge was the only occupant in the Dodge who was wearing a seatbelt.

Kevin Rudloff of Verdigre, NE, the 23-year-old driver of the semi-truck, was not injured. He was wearing a seatbelt. Charges are pending against him.

South Dakota’s Highway Patrol is investigating the crash. All information released so far is only preliminary.

The Highway Patrol is an agency of the South Dakota Department of Public Safety.