Two women tragically lost their lives in a vehicular accident involving a minivan and a semi-truck in Pipestone County, Minnesota, on Christmas Eve. The unfortunate incident occurred around 1:45 p.m. on Wednesday along Highway 75 at the intersection with 21st Street in Elmer Township.
The Minnesota State Patrol reported that the semi-truck was traveling northbound on Highway 75 when it collided with the minivan, which was headed west on 21st Street. The intersection is located approximately eight miles east of the South Dakota border and about 30 miles northeast of Sioux Falls. Images from Google Maps depict a rural area surrounded by farmland, which includes a power substation on one corner and stop signs positioned on 21st Street.
The victims of this devastating accident have been identified as 71-year-old Patricia Ann Struiksma, the driver of the minivan, and her passenger, 69-year-old Donna Jean Vanthof. Fortunately, the driver of the semi-truck remained unharmed.
While the investigation continues, further details regarding the events leading up to the crash have not yet been made available. Authorities have indicated that alcohol was not considered a factor in the collision, though road conditions were wet at the time.
This tragic event serves as a somber reminder of the importance of road safety and vigilance, particularly during busy holiday periods when travel typically increases. The community mourns the loss of these two individuals, with hopes for healing and support for their families in this difficult time.