LEAD, S.D. – Emergency crews were called to two separate motorcycle crashes within less than an hour on Saturday morning.

At approximately 11:19 a.m. on Aug. 8, the Lead Volunteer Fire Department was dispatched to a Signal 1 single motorcycle accident approximately four miles south of Lead on Highway 14A/US 85 near North Rochford Road.

Upon arrival, firefighters found that a single motorcycle had left the roadway and the patient sustained serious injuries. First arriving firefighters performed immediate life saving measures to stabilize the patient and requested Black Hills Life Flight.

While still on scene, at approximately 11:47 a.m., the Lead Volunteer Fire Department was paged to a second, unrelated motorcycle crash near mile marker 32 on US Highway 14A/85. One crew was released from the scene at North Rochford Road and responded directly to the second location, where they found that a second motorcycle had left the roadway. That patient also sustained serious injuries.

The crew remaining at North Rochford Road prepared a landing zone for Black Hills Life Flight. Firefighters used Rescue 4 to wet the landing zone, mitigating dust and increasing safety for the incoming aircraft.

Firefighters worked alongside responding EMS crews and law enforcement to transfer both patients to higher levels of care via Black Hills Life Flight and Northern Hills Monument Health Ambulance.

Lead units responding to the incidents were Rescue 4 and Squad 7. Assisting agencies included Monument Health Northern Hills Ambulance, Lawrence County Sheriff’s Office, South Dakota Highway Patrol, and Black Hills Life Flight.

With increased travel throughout the region and toward Rapid City during the annual event, fire officials issued a reminder regarding road safety.

“The Sturgis Motorcycle Rally brings a significant increase in riders on our roadways. We know accidents can happen anywhere, at any time. The Lead Volunteer Fire Department has been focusing training on response specific to these types of incidents. As you enjoy the Black Hills and the Rally, please maintain control of your vehicle, follow traffic laws, and adjust your driving or riding to road conditions. Stay alert and stay safe.”