Stations 1, 5 and 19 responded to a two vehicle MVC in the 14800 block of Augusta Highway (SC Hwy 61) at 1205, Monday afternoon 21-December. A small Ford pickup truck and a tractor trailer log truck collided resulting in the log truck over-turning into the ditch on the right hand shoulder of the road. The load of cut pine trees broke free completely disintegrating the cab. The driver was pinned by his legs upside down in what was left of the cab. The cab was unrecognizable. Firefighters used a variety of Holmatro Hydraulic tools and reciprocating saws to cut and spread the remaining portions of the mangled mess to reach the driver. He remarkably suffered only minor injuries. After working for 35 minutes the man’s legs were freed and he was extricated onto a long spine board. He was transported by Medic 19 to Colleton Medical Center. No one in the pickup truck was injured.

Traffic on Augusta Highway was rerouted for about one hour while crews worked the extrication. The SC Highway Patrol and State Transport Police are investigating the accident. 

Engine 5, Engine 19, Rescue 1, Medic 19, Battalion 1, Truck 11 and Truck 111 responded. Engineer-EMT-I Chuck Moyer served as Incident Commander.