Four people died in a two-vehicle, high speed collision on Interstate 95 near the 44 mile marker southbound, Friday morning 11-November at 03:58. Colleton County (SC) Fire-Rescue units arrived to find a tractor-trailer off in the woods. A passenger car had been struck in the rear and also pushed into the woods. The larger truck crushed the car and drove on top of the vehicle trapping all four rear passengers and the adult female driver. A male front seat passenger was able to exit the vehicle with assistance and was moved to Medic 13 for treatment of his injuries.
The car suffered massive damage. Firefighter-paramedics used Holmatro rescue tools to gain access to the female driver. She was unconscious and suffered multiple traumatic injuries. Crews used chainsaws to remove several large pine trees that had been knocked down. Multiple hydraulic tools, including spreaders, cutters, and rams were used during the extrication. Once the trees were removed, chains were rigged between hydraulic spreaders to two large pine trees and then to portions of the car to pull the dash forward to free the driver.
Three additional Fire-Rescue ambulances and the LifeNet 4 medical helicopter were assigned to the incident. LifeNet landed at the scene on I-95 just south of the accident. When the driver was freed, she was quickly treated in Medic 26, then flown in critical condition to the trauma center at Trident Medical in Summerville. The male passenger was transported by Fire-Rescue to Colleton Medical Center, but later was transferred to the trauma center at Trident Medical. The truck driver was also transported to Colleton Medical Center for non-life threatening injuries.
The Coroner’s Office and the SC Highway Patrol MAIT Team responded to the scene. Once their investigations were completed, firefighter-paramedics extricated the remaining four victims. Two wreckers pulled the truck off of the car to allow firefighters access to the vehicle. Three children and one adult female in the back seat were deceased. The Coroner’s Office transported the bodies. SC Transport Police and the Sheriff’s Office also assisted. Fire Rescue units were on the scene for five and half hours. Traffic was down to one lane during the incident and backed up for five miles.
Engine 1, Engine 26, Rescue 1, Medic 1, Medic 13, Medic 19, Medic 26, Battalion 1, Car 12 and Car 105 responded. Deputy Chief David Greene served as Incident Commander.
Barry W. McRoy, Fire Chief, Colleton County Fire-Rescue
Barry W. McRoy photo
Barry W. McRoy photo
Barry W. McRoy photo
Barry W. McRoy photo
