Shortly after 11:00 PM on Thursday night, Watertown Fire Rescue (WFR) responded to a report of a person trapped in a sinking vehicle approximately one mile north of Exit 181 on Interstate 29. WFR responded with Battalion 1, Engine 4, and Medic 4 to the scene. While en route, it was reported that the occupant had successfully self-extricated from the vehicle and swam to a bystander’s vehicle. The vehicle, described as a maroon hatchback, had left the roadway after encountering approximately 10 inches of water that had flooded both lanes near mile marker 182. Upon arrival, the vehicle was barely visible, with only the rear bumper above water. The patient was uninjured and declined medical evaluation by paramedics. Battalion 1 and Engine 4 remained on scene for approximately 1.5 hours to assist with traffic control. Due to flooding and vehicle recovery efforts, Interstate 29 was ultimately shut down between Exit 181 and Exit 185. Traffic was detoured to County Road 11 (Old Highway 81). Multiple agencies assisted at the scene, including:
South Dakota Highway Patrol
Codington County Sheriff's Office
South Dakota Department of Transportation
Codington County Emergency Management
Performance Towing
WFR reminds drivers to use caution during heavy rain events and to avoid driving through standing water.