Four people were hospitalized following a two-vehicle crash on Friday night, October 31, near the Grand Falls Casino northwest of Larchwood.
According to the Lyon County Sheriff’s Office, the crash happened around 9:15 p.m. at the intersection of Highway 9 and Beech Avenue, about two miles south of the casino. Authorities say 36-year-old Kristina Espinoza of Doon was driving a 2010 Lincoln eastbound on Beech Avenue when she failed to stop at a stop sign and entered the intersection, where her vehicle was struck broadside by a southbound 2005 GMC Yukon driven by 32-year-old Quyntin Maassen of Larchwood.
Deputies say Espinoza suffered facial and other injuries and was believed to be under the influence of alcohol and drugs at the time of the crash.
Two juvenile passengers in Espinoza’s vehicle were injured, along with 30-year-old Rachel Maassen, who was 36 weeks pregnant at the time.
Espinoza and one passenger were transported by Larchwood EMS to Sanford USD Medical Center in Sioux Falls. The second juvenile passenger and Maassen were taken by Lyon County Ambulance to Avera McKennan Hospital in Sioux Falls.
Both vehicles were considered totaled, with estimated damages of $5,000 to the Lincoln and $6,000 to the GMC Yukon.
At the time of the report, no charges had been filed, and the crash remains under investigation.
This story is courtesy of fellow Community First Broadcasting station KIWA Radio in Sheldon
