13/February/2014 – Fatal MVC – “C” Shift

Incident # 14-00996 – An adult male lost his life in a two car MVC at the intersection of Bells Highway and Upchurch Lane Thursday evening 13-February. At 19:44, Medic 26 and Engine 26 were pulling up to the intersection of Bells Highway and Upchurch Lane just in time to watch as the two cars collided in the intersection. They called in the accident and exited the vehicles so they could begin treating patients. Both cars received heavy damage. An Oldsmobile Cutlass turned into the path of a west bound Trailblazer. The Trailblazer struck the Cutlass in the passenger side doors, trapping both passenger side occupants. There was a good bit of intrusion into the vehicle. Both occupants were in critical condition suffering from multiple traumatic injuries. The driver was out of the car and was stable. Firefighter-Paramedics used the Holmatro Rescue Tools from Engine 26 to remove both side doors of the Oldsmobile to free the victims. Three additional Medic Units and two Medical Helicopters were requested. Traffic in all directions of the busy intersection was stopped for about 30 minutes. All patients were treated at the scene then transported to Colleton Medical Center. The two critically injured patients were stabilized at Colleton Medical Center ED, then flown to Trauma Centers.

The man passed away from his injuries shortly after arriving at MUSC. The driver of the Trailblazer also received multiple traumatic injuries. Walterboro Public Safety is investigating the accident.  

Engine 26, Medic 1, Medic 19, Medic 26, Medic 106, Battalion 1, Car 12, Car 105, Car 118, and Car 110. Battalion Chief Ben Heape served as Incident Commander.