By Crash News Writer 
Moody County, SD (October 30, 2026) – Four people, including three Flandreau Public Schools students, lost their lives Monday evening, October 26, following a wrong-way collision involving three vehicles on Interstate 29 in South Dakota. A fourth child suffered life-threatening injuries in the accident.
According to the South Dakota Highway Patrol, an 88-year-old man was driving a 2020 Ford Ranger northbound in the southbound lanes of Interstate 29 when he collided head-on with a 2003 Dodge Caravan.
Investigators reported that the Dodge Caravan was attempting to pass a 2017 Peterbilt 389 semi-truck when the wrong-way pickup struck it. Following the initial collision, the semi-truck also struck the Dodge.
The Dodge Caravan was carrying four children, including its 15-year-old driver. The driver and two passengers, ages 12 and 16, suffered fatal injuries. A fourth passenger, a 12-year-old girl, sustained life-threatening injuries.
Authorities reported that all four occupants of the Dodge were ejected during the collision and were not wearing seat belts.
The 88-year-old Ford Ranger driver, who was also reportedly not wearing a seat belt, died in the accident.
The Moody County Sheriff’s Office confirmed that the three deceased children were students in the Flandreau Public Schools district.
Following the accident, the Boys & Girls Club of the Northern Plains established a fundraising campaign to assist the families of the three girls with funeral expenses.
The circumstances surrounding the wrong-way collision remain under investigation.
Protect Your Rights After a Fatal Accident Today
Wrong-way crashes can result in catastrophic injuries and multiple fatalities, particularly when vehicles collide head-on at highway speeds. Families affected by these accidents may face funeral expenses, lost financial support, and difficult questions about insurance coverage and legal responsibility.
Under car accident laws in South Dakota, certain surviving family members may have grounds to pursue wrongful death claims when another party’s negligence contributes to a fatal collision. Depending on the circumstances, compensation may include funeral expenses, financial losses, and other damages permitted under state law.
If you are searching for a car accident near me or a car accident near Moody County, understanding your rights after a serious highway collision can help you evaluate potential legal options.
An attorney can examine the car accident report, review witness statements, analyze vehicle damage, and investigate the circumstances that allowed a vehicle to travel against traffic. The official car accident report may also provide important information about the sequence of impacts, roadway conditions, and investigating officers’ findings.
Families researching a car accident near me or a car accident near Moody County should understand that South Dakota generally allows three years to file wrongful death lawsuits, although exceptions may apply. Claims involving injured minors, multiple vehicles, and commercial trucks may require additional investigation into insurance coverage and the responsibilities of each party.
Seeking legal guidance early can help families preserve evidence and understand the options available following a fatal collision.
PLEASE TAKE NOTICE
This article reflects preliminary information released by authorities and may be updated as investigators establish additional details about the collision.
- Four people died in the accident, including three Flandreau Public Schools students and the 88-year-old Ford Ranger driver.
- A 12-year-old girl survived the collision with life-threatening injuries. Her current medical condition was not provided in the available reports.
- Investigators reported that the Ford Ranger was traveling northbound in the southbound lanes of Interstate 29 before the head-on collision.
- The Boys & Girls Club of the Northern Plains has established a fundraising campaign for the affected families to help cover funeral expenses.
- Readers seeking information about fatal collisions, insurance claims, and legal procedures can review our frequently asked questions in South Dakota.
- Families affected by serious highway accidents can also explore accident resources in South Dakota for additional information and assistance.
This article is intended for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal or medical advice. Information reflects publicly available reports at the time of publication and may change as investigators release additional findings. Readers should consult a qualified attorney regarding their individual circumstances. The publisher assumes no responsibility for decisions made based on this information. Please review our disclaimer for further details.
If your family lost a loved one or someone suffered serious injuries in a wrong-way collision, contact a South Dakota personal injury lawyer to discuss your legal rights and potential compensation.