Colleton County Fire-Rescue

7/28/2011

07/28/2011 – MVC with Ejection & Air Evacuation – “B” Shift

Incident # 11-04170 – Two tractor trailers collided injuring both drivers and backing up southbound traffic on I-95 for several hours. The accident occurred at the 42 mile marker just before the Lowcountry Hwy (US Highway 21) overpass. A southbound truck hauling a container suffered an apparent front tire blowout causing the driver to lose control and strike another southbound truck that was not pulling a trailer. Both trucks when off of the right side of the road, overturning in the grass median just before the on ramp. The truck without the trailer, was severely damaged. The cab broke apart, separating from the chassis and ejecting the driver. The chassis landed upside down. The truck with the trailer overturned, spilling a portion of its load of medical supplies. Hundreds of 500cc bags of D5W littered the scene. Firefighter-Paramedics from Medic 1 and Engine 1 began treating the two injured men. A second ambulance and medical helicopter were requested. Medic 19 responded to the scene to transport one driver to Colleton Medical Center.

The ejected driver suffered multiple traumatic injuries and severe leg injuries. He was treated at the scene, which included pain medications before being flown by Omniflight to the Trauma Center at Memorial Health in Savannah, Georgia. The SC Highway Patrol and State Transport Police are investigating the crash.

Engine 1, Medic 1, Medic 19, Rescue 1, Battalion 1 and Car 117 responded. Battalion Chief Ben Heape served as incident Commander.