RAPID CITY, S.D. (AP) - South Dakota authorities say speed and alcohol were factors in the first two fatal motorcycle crashes of this year's Sturgis Motorcycle Rally.
The state Public Safety Department says 48-year-old James Mills of New Palestine, Indiana, was killed Sunday when he crashed on U.S. Highway 14 in Spearfish. He applied his brakes, lost control and his motorcycle slid on the road.
A Minnesota man was killed Sunday on South Dakota Highway 44 when he failed to negotiate a curve and his motorcycle hit a post. His name was not released, pending notification of his family.
The annual rally officially started Monday and runs through Sunday. Officials expect more than 400,000 bikers will attend the event in the Black Hills.
AP-WF-08-06-12 2354GMT
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