A one-vehicle accident on Interstate 90 at Exit 34 east of Sturgis Saturday evening resulted in a fire and claimed the lives of two passengers and injured several children.

Around 8 p.m., officials said an accident reconstruction team would analyze the site. The bridge structure was charred and blackened, and one support column appeared to have a crack.

Officer Mike Thomas of the South Dakota Highway Patrol said a minivan was westbound on Interstate 90 when it drifted into the median. Thomas added the vehicle struck the corner of the bridge railing, fell to the bottom, and caught fire.

The victims included an adult driver and a juvenile passenger. Thomas added two others are in serious condition, and a third is critical. No names were available at press time; Thomas said the accident is under investigation.

Anthony Miranda's eyes and voice reflected the shock and stress of the tragedy.

He said he was one of the first on the scene of the accident, where he discovered a man burned in the minivan.

Miranda, who lives in Rapid City, said he and his girlfriend were returning from Deadwood when they came upon the scene. They did not see the accident, but Miranda said he never saw anything like the aftermath.

A burning vehicle was off the road under the interstate. Miranda said a man was slumped from the driver position to the passenger position.

Miranda scaled down the hill to the vehicle. He said he and others struggled in rescuing one passenger because one his feet was lodged.

"We got it done and pulled him out," Miranda said.

The boy and others were transported to the Sturgis hospital before being flown by air ambulance to Rapid City Regional Hospital.

"It was such an experience," Miranda said. "The community really came together."

The South Dakota Highway Patrol, Meade County Sheriff's Office and Sturgis Volunteer Fire Department responded to the incident.