10/December/2012 – Fatal MVC – “B” Shift

Incident # 12-06697 - A high speed collision in the 1000 block of Confederate Highway (SC Hwy 641) claimed the life of a Ruffin teenager Monday evening 10-December at 18:29. Several motorists drove up on the accident which was about one mile west of Bells Highway near the Ashton Community. The westbound 1998 Chevrolet Tahoe left the roadway after coming out of a curve. It appeared to have overcorrected and crossed the eastbound lane of traffic. The vehicle began to flip over, when it impacted an oak tree resulting in massive damage to the SUV. The engine and transmission were propelled approximately 45 feet from the truck and caught fire, setting the woods ablaze as well. The motorist pulled the 18 year old driver from the wreckage, fearing the remainder of the vehicle might also burn. They called 9-1-1, advising the man did not have a pulse. Fire-Rescue units arrived minutes later verifying the man was deceased. Firefighters quickly extinguished the fire with one handline. The highway was closed for three hours while the Coroner’s Office and Highway Patrol investigated the crash. 

The Coroner’s Office transported the man to the morgue at Colleton Medical Center.

Engine 23, Medic 18, Rescue 18, Battalion 1 and Car 12 responded. Captain Doug Mixson served as Incident Commander.