STURGIS, S.D. (MITCHELLNOW) The 85th Sturgis Motorcycle Rally began with tragedy and multiple injuries. According to the South Dakota Highway Patrol’s “Rally Tally” report, one person was killed and at least 13 others injured across a dozen motorcycle crashes in the rally’s first 24 hours. The fatal crash happened near Mount Rushmore, where one man died after his Harley-Davidson slid into oncoming traffic and was struck by three other bikes. Three other riders were seriously hurt.
Among other incidents, a police pursuit in Sturgis ended with a biker in life-threatening condition after crashing into a ditch. On Needles Highway, one biker was airlifted after crashing into an embankment. Near Tilford, a rider slid under a closed exit gate on I-90 and was hospitalized. Several other single and multi-bike accidents were reported across the Black Hills, some involving riders who were not wearing helmets. Daily updates from the Highway Patrol are expected throughout the 10-day rally. For more crime stories from MitchellNow.com, click here.
