WHITEWOOD — Two people died Saturday afternoon in a two-vehicle crash near Whitewood.

The names of the persons involved have not been released pending notification of family members.

Preliminary crash information indicates the driver of a 2012 Dodge Avenger was traveling eastbound on state Highway 34 and crossed the centerline into the path of a westbound 2013 Chevrolet Silverado. The vehicles collided in the westbound lane near mile marker 24. The 24-year-old male driver of the Dodge was ejected as the vehicle came to rest in the eastbound lane and was pronounced dead at the scene. The Chevrolet continued into the ditch. An 87-year-old female passenger in the truck was also pronounced dead at the scene. The driver of the Chevrolet, a 55-year-old male, suffered serious, non-life-threatening injuries.

The South Dakota Highway Patrol is investigating the crash. All information released so far is only preliminary.