Two people died in a two vehicle crash in western South Dakota

Two people died Saturday afternoon in a two-vehicle crash near Whitewood.

The South Dakota Department of Public Safety reported the driver of a passenger car was traveling eastbound on SD Highway 34 around 2pm when it crossed the centerline into the path of a westbound pickup truck. The vehicles collided in the westbound lane about two miles west of Whitewood. The 24-year-old male driver of the car was ejected as the vehicle came to rest in the eastbound lane and was pronounced deceased at the scene. The pickup continued into the ditch. An 87-year-old female passenger in the truck was also pronounced deceased at the scene. The 55-year-old male driver of the pickup suffered serious, non-life-threatening injuries. Both occupants of the pickup were using seatbelts.

The South Dakota Highway Patrol is investigating the crash. The names of the persons involved are being withheld pending notification of family members.