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Two Identified Following Deadly Train Derailment in Elkton, South Dakota

A fatal car crash involving a train has claimed the lives of two young men in Elkton, South Dakota. Devon Fletcher and Donovan Hollis were the driver and passenger who tragically passed away after their vehicle was struck by a train on South Dakota Highway 13. The deadly collision caused the train to derail and crash into a nearby grain elevator. Authorities are actively investigating the devastating incident that occurred on the evening of August 20th, 2023.

Crash Occurs at Railroad Crossing on Highway 13

According to reports from Elkton residents, the initial alert about the collision came in around 7 p.m. A vehicle had attempted to cross the railroad tracks at the highway 13 crossing when it was suddenly struck by an oncoming train. The high-speed impact pushed the train off the tracks, sending it careening into a grain silo situated close by. Emergency response teams immediately arrived at the scene and have been working tirelessly to clear the wreckage and debris.

The vehicle involved was a 2011 Kia Sorrento traveling south along highway 13. At approximately 7:06 p.m., the Kia drove through the lowered crossing guard arm and directly into the path of the passing train. The violent crash trapped both occupants inside the burning vehicle. Despite the efforts of first responders, the driver and passenger were sadly pronounced dead once extracted from the mangled car. The identities of the two victims were initially withheld from the public. Highway 13 remained closed for cleanup but has since been reopened to traffic. However, Cornell Avenue on the west side of Elkton will continue to be blocked off until the derailed train cars can be removed, likely taking several days.

Victims Identified As Devon Fletcher and Donovan Hollis

The two young men who lost their lives in the catastrophic crash have now been identified as Devon Fletcher and Donovan Hollis. Both victims were employees of Travis Jasper Construction, a local company that took to social media to mourn their tragic passing. According to the heartfelt statement, Fletcher and Hollis had been valued members of the Travis Jasper Construction team since its inception.

The company wrote: "With heavy hearts, we are sad to say we lost 2 of the best this weekend. Devon Fletcher and Donovan Hollis will be lovingly remembered by TJC and all their family and friends who loved them. Please pray for all who are suffering this heavy loss. Both of you have been here since day one and our workplace will not be the same. Rest easy."

Authorities Investigating Cause of Fatal Collision

Law enforcement agencies are actively looking into the circumstances surrounding the deadly railroad crossing incident. Key questions remain over how and why the vehicle driven by Devon Fletcher was unable to stop at the activated warning system in place at the highway 13 tracks. Officials will examine the guard arm apparatus at the crossing to determine if it was functioning properly at the time of impact. The speed of the train and overall visibility conditions will also come under scrutiny.

A thorough inspection of Fletcher's vehicle will help establish any possible mechanical issues, like brake failure, that could have contributed to the tragic outcome. Investigators will also review autopsy and toxicology reports for both Fletcher and passenger Donovan Hollis to assist in piecing together this puzzle. The hunt for answers continues as communities mourn the two young lives cut short.

Deadly Collision Brings Grief to Loved Ones

As reports emerged confirming the identities of the crash victims, there was an immense outpouring of grief across social media platforms. Friends and loved ones of Devon Fletcher and Donovan Hollis expressed their anguish and paid tribute to the two men. Many spoke of the deep sense of disbelief that such promising, kind-hearted people had been taken too soon.

There was an overwhelming feeling of sorrow for the suffering their families must be enduring after the sudden loss of their cherished sons. The two men clearly touched countless lives in their community and were loved by many. Their tragic passing in this devastating incident has left a deep void in the hearts of all who knew them.

While the cause remains uncertain, the harsh facts remain - two bright futures have been cut short. Devon Fletcher and Donovan Hollis will be remembered for their joyful spirits and caring ways. Though they are gone, their memories will live on through the people whose lives they impacted. Their community will mourn and honor them as authorities work to understand how this heartbreaking tragedy occurred.

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