BROOKINGS – A Lincoln, Nebraska, woman has been identified as the person who died Wednesday morning in a two-vehicle crash south of Brookings.

Preliminary crash information indicates that a 2020 Chevy Equinox was stationary in the driving lane of Interstate 29 when it was rear-ended by a 2020 Mack Anthem truck and tanker. The Equinox was pushed into the east ditch and came to rest against a sign. The truck and tanker also went into the east ditch, across a service road and came to rest on the railroad tracks under the interstate bridge.

Kelley Rodriquez, 40, was the driver of the Equinox. She was pronounced dead at the scene.

James Vaniperen of Davis, 39, was the truck driver. He sustained serious non-life threatening injuries and was transported to a Brookings hospital.

Both drivers were wearing seat belts.

Estelline crash

A Castlewood man has been identified as the person who died last week.

Preliminary crash information indicates that a 1996 Dodge Dakota pickup was southbound on 465th Avenue when the driver lost control. The vehicle went into the west ditch and rolled.

Gabriel Hernandez, the 41-year-old driver, was pronounced dead at the scene. He was the only occupant and was wearing a seat belt.

The South Dakota Highway Patrol is investigating the crashes. All information released so far is only preliminary.