07/March/2014 – MVC w/entrapment – “A” Shift

Incident # 14-01473 – A high speed roll-over accident sent two people to the hospital Friday afternoon 07-March. At 17:18, while Fire-Rescue units were working a structure fire, a gas leak and a school bus MCI-MVC, a southbound SUV lost control and over-turned on Interstate 95 near the 49 mile marker. The SUV was traveling south when the driver advised he was cut off by another southbound vehicle causing him to swerve sharply. The Ford Expedition began to slide, but the driver was gaining control on the rain slick highway, when the dual axle trailer jack-knifed forcing the SUV to the dirt shoulder. As the vehicle hit the dirt, the tires dug in causing the SUV to flip over several times. The enclosed cargo trailer broke away from the SUV and flipped over as well ending up at the wood line. Both landed on their wheels receiving heavy damage. The trailer contained three expensive Harley Davidson motorcycles. They were secured well and only received minor damage.

The two front seat passengers received serious injuries. The driver, who was thrown to the passenger side was trapped in the wreckage. Firefighter-Paramedics used the Holmatro Rescue Tools from Engine 1 to remove the front passenger side door to free the patient.

Medical helicopters were grounded due to the poor weather. Both men were transported by ambulance to Colleton Medical Center. The rear seat passenger was not injured. The driver was later transferred to the Trauma Center at MUSC by private ambulance. The Colleton County Sheriff’s Office is investigating the crash.  

Engine 1, Medic 18, Battalion 1 and Car 12 responded. Firefighter-Paramedic Brian Rowe served as Incident Commander.