02/27/2011 – “A” Shift – Fatal MVC with entrapment

Incident # 11-01145 – A two car collision on Interstate 95 has left two people deceased. Stations 1 and 26 responded to the 49 mile marker NB at 17:02. Witness stated a northbound Mustang collided with a northbound Chevrolet Suburban causing the large SUV to lose control. The Suburban went off the right shoulder, flipping over several times before striking a pine tree roof first. The force of the impact crushed the roof to the seats of the vehicle causing fatal injuries to the front seat occupants. Both were heavily entrapped in the wreckage. The second vehicle skidded to a halt in the breakdown lane. Both occupants of the Mustang escaped injury. Firefighter-Paramedics determined both occupants in the Suburban had injuries incompatible with life. The Coroner’s Office was notified and responded to the scene. The SC Highway Patrol began their investigation and MAIT (Accident Reconstruction Team) responded to the scene as well. Following both agencies preliminary investigations, firefighters were then permitted to begin extricating the victims at 18:36.

Crews rigged chains and hooks to the front section of the SUV. These were attached to the winch on Car 12 to pull the vehicle off of the tree and turn it over on its wheels. Firefighters then used multiple Holmatro Rescue Tools and a reciprocating saw to remove a portion of the roof and the side doors. Several chains were rigged on the pine tree and the hydraulic spreader was used to pull the driver’s side doors off of the driver. The Coroner’s Office transported both victims. The SC Highway arrested both occupants of the Mustang and are investigating to determine if alcohol was a contributing factor in the crash. Units were tied up on the incident for seven hours due to Rescue 1 providing lighting for the accident investigators and the wrecker company. Traffic on I-95 in the area of the accident was down to one lane for the duration of the incident and backed up over six miles.

Engine 1, Rescue 1, Medic 1, Medic 26, Car 12 and Car 118 responded. Battalion Chief Brent Dalton initially served as Incident Commander, which was later transferred to Captain Scott Feather.

Incident # 11-01149 - While working this accident, at 19:18 a second MVC occurred at the 50 mile marker southbound, approximately 1/2 mile north of the fatal collision. A southbound Chevrolet Tahoe left the roadway and flipped over four times coming to rest in a ditch. Battalion 1 turned the incident over to Captain Feather and responded to the second MVC. The occupants exited the vehicle of their own accord. One male patient was transported to Colleton Medical Center with minor injuries.

Battalion 1, Engine 19 and Medic 18 responded. Battalion Chief Brent Dalton served as Incident Commander.

Incident # 11-01150 – At 19:35, a third incident was reported within two miles of the previous two incidents. An adult male was injured at the Southbound Rest Area when he was kicked by a horse that was being transported in a trailer.  Battalion 1 first responded for Medic 19, finding the man on the back of the transport trailer with an open fracture to the lower leg. He was treated at the scene, then transported by Medic 19 to Colleton Medical Center. Battalion 1 and Medic 19 responded.