Two injured in four-semi crash near Arlington

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ARLINGTON – The South Dakota Highway Patrol is investigating a fiery crash involving four semi tractor-trailers 1 mile west of Arlington Tuesday morning.

One driver was taken to the hospital with serious non-life-threatening injuries, and another suffered minor injuries. The crash was reported at 6:38 a.m. Tuesday at Highway 14 mile marker 399, according to South Dakota Department of Public Safety spokesman Tony Mangan.

A semi driven by 21-year-old Joshua Waldner of Huron was eastbound when it crossed the center line into the westbound lane. The Waldner truck struck two westbound semi-tractors and the trailer of a third westbound semi, Mangan said.

After the collision, Waldner’s vehicle burst into flames. That blocked both lanes of traffic, requiring a highway shutdown to clean up debris and tow the semis and trailers.

The Waldner truck and trailer were a total loss. Also total losses were two of the westbound trucks and all three trailers.

Waldner was taken by Arlington ambulance to the Brookings Hospital with serious, non-life-threatening injuries. He was not wearing a seat belt, and charges against him are pending, Mangan reported.

The three westbound semis were traveling as a group. One of those drivers suffered minor injuries and was treated at the scene. All three of the westbound drivers were wearing seatbelts, and no charges are pending against them. Their names are not being released at this time.

All four trailers were empty at the time of the crash.