On Monday, October 12, 2009, at 5:28 a.m., Sioux Falls Police, Sioux Falls Fire Rescue, and Rural/Metro Ambulance were sent to Russell Street/Western Avenue for a two-car crash with serious injuries.

The investigation revealed that a 1996 Mercury Mystique, driven by a 46-year-old male from Crooks, SD, was eastbound on Russell Street approaching Western Avenue.

A 1999 Honda Civic, driven by a 40-year-old female from Sioux Falls, was southbound on Western Avenue entering the Russell Street intersection.
The eastbound Mystique had a flashing yellow light, and the southbound Civic had a flashing red light. The southbound Civic entered the eastbound Russell Street lanes directly in front of the eastbound Mystique causing a T-bone crash. The female driver of the Civic was ejected, and both vehicles came to a final resting stop on the southeast corner of the intersection.

Both drivers were transported to Sanford Hospital; the 46-year-old male with minor injuries, and the 40-year-old female with serious, life-threatening injuries.

Russell Street was closed while traffic investigators mapped out the scene. The road was reopened at 10 a.m. Speed and alcohol do not appear to be factors.

Traffic investigators are continuing their reconstruction at this time.