SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (KELO) — A 60-year-old Sioux Falls man is dead after a large light pole fell across the northbound lanes of Interstate 229 near Benson Road Thursday afternoon.
The light pole was being installed as part of a multi-million dollar project that officials say is to improve public safety.
Authorities say a contractor was working on the light pole tower when it began to lean and fell, and hit a van that just happened to be passing by at 1:05 p.m.
The driver died from his injuries.
The light pole was one of several being installed as part of the $36 million diversion diamond project at Benson Road.
City and state officials held a ribbon cutting last fall for the interchange that they say will improve driver safety.
“As the city grows, these projects are going to be increasingly important to keep up with our population base,” Sioux Falls Mayor Paul TenHaken said.
At the scene on Friday, there’s police tape up, but we got a closer look at where the pole was supposed to be.
Why it started to lean remains under investigation by the South Dakota Highway Patrol.
The South Dakota Highway Patrol didn’t want to comment at this time in case of pending lawsuits.
The northbound lanes of I-229 near the Benson Road Exit were closed for a period of time as crews removed the pole from the interstate.
The name of the victim is not being released until the family has been notified.
