WATERTOWN, S.D. (Press Release) – One person died and two others were seriously injured in a two-vehicle crash that occurred early Thursday night west of Watertown.

Names of the three people involved have not yet been released pending notification of family members.

A 2002 Toyota Highlander was westbound on South Dakota Highway 20 when it collided head on with an eastbound 2001 GMC Yukon. It appears the Highlander crossed the centerline into the eastbound lane.

Both occupants of the Yukon had to be extricated from the vehicle. The 56-year-old male driver died from his injuries. The 54-year-old female passenger suffered life-threatening injuries and was transferred to a Sioux Falls hospital.

The 17-year-old male driver of the Highlander sustained serious non-life threatening injuries. He was transferred to a Sioux Falls hospital.

It is unknown whether either driver was wearing a seat belt. The female passenger was wearing a seat belt.

South Dakota’s Highway Patrol continues to investigate the crash. All information is only preliminary at this point.

The Highway Patrol is part of the South Dakota Department of Public Safety.