Names Released in Brookings County Fatal Crash (August 18)

What:    Fatal crash

Where: S.D. Hwy 13, MM 125, Elkton, S.D.

When:   7:06 p.m., Friday, Aug 18, 2023

Car Occupant No. 1: Devon Fletcher, 28, Pipestone, MN., Fatal injuries

Car Occupant No. 2: Donovan Hollis, 37, Trosky, MN., Fatal injuries

Vehicle No. 1: 2011 Kia Sorrento

BROOKINGS COUNTY, S.D.- Two men from Minnesota have been identified as the two people who died Friday night August 18 in a car versus train collision in Elkton, S.D.

Preliminary crash information indicates a 2011 Kia Sorrento was traveling southbound on S.D. Highway 13.  For an unknown reason, the Sorrento crashed through the warning arm of the train crossing and struck the train that was crossing S.D 13.  The Sorrento caught fire and the two occupants were trapped inside. 

The train derailed and crashed into a grain elevator. 

SD Hwy 13 was closed for several hours and then reopened.

Cornell Avenue was closed for the next several days while derailed train cars were removed.

Due to injuries sustained in the crash, a DNA confirmation process was required for positive identification of the two persons in the Sorrento.  That confirmation is now complete.

The driver of the 2011 Kia Sorrento, Devon Fletcher, age 28, of Pipestone, MN., sustained fatal injuries and was pronounced deceased at the scene.

The passenger of the 2011 Kia Sorrento, Donovan Hollis, age 37, of Trosky, MN., sustained fatal injuries and was pronounced deceased at the scene.

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.

###

Note: Records of state-reportable crashes are now available at http://www.safesd.gov/  Records should be available about 10 days after the investigation is complete.