Vehicle strikes power pole

On Friday June 2, 2023 at 10:08AM, Watertown Police Department Officers responded to a
single vehicle crash at the south roundabout, 5th Street and 20th Avenue SE.
An 82 year old male from Castlewood was traveling north through the roundabout and failed to
negotiate the turns before accelerating off of the roundabout.
The vehicle he was operating, a 2014 Ford Explorer, collided with a utility pole and other utility
infrastructure which caused power outages in the area.
All northbound traffic was diverted due to low hanging power lines. All higher profile vehicles
traveling southbound were also diverted. The Watertown Municipal Utilities responded to the scene and
were able to quickly secure the damaged utility poles.
The Watertown Municipal Utilities estimated damages at $15,000. The Ford Explorer estimated
at over $15,000 is also considered a total loss. The vehicle was towed from the scene. No injuries were
reported.
The South Dakota Highway Patrol assisted on scene. The crash is still under investigation and
charges are pending.