25/June/2014 – Fatal MVC w/two entrapped, two Air Evacs – “C” Shift

Incident # 14-03759 – One person died and two others were critically injured in a two car MVC on Interstate 95 near the 41 mile marker southbound. The accident was reported at 09:34 after a Ford F-250 pickup truck collided with a Dodge Minivan. Both vehicles left the roadway at a high rate of speed and struck large pine trees in the median. The minivan also struck a concrete culvert pipe. Both drivers suffered multiple traumatic injuries and were trapped in the wreckage. The front seat passenger in the minivan had no signs of life when Firefighter-Paramedics arrived. Each vehicle received heavy damage. Shortly after arrival, Engine 13 requested a heavy rescue, two additional ambulances and two medical helicopters. Southbound I-95 was closed at the 41 mile maker. Traffic was rerouted at Exit 42 on to Lowcountry Hwy (US Hwy 21), but still backed up five miles.  

Crews used three sets of Holmatro Rescue Tools and performed both extrications simultaneously. Two off-duty firefighters from New York State provided care before Colleton crews arrived and they assisted during the extrications. Firefighter-Paramedics treated both patients during the extrications. Crews spent approx. 25 minutes extricating the driver of the minivan which involved displacing the driver’s door, removing the steering wheel and unloading a large amount of cargo. He was immobilized, then moved to Medic 13, who transported the patient 1.5 miles to the Landing Zone on I-95 near the 39 mile marker.

Due to tree cover, the helicopters could not land at the accident scene. With the massive amount of damage to the Ford, the extrication lasted nearly an hour. The floor and dash were pushed into the seats. Firefighters used hydraulic spreaders and cutters to remove both driver’s side doors, then used hydraulic rams to displace the dash. He was removed with full spinal precautions and transported to the Landing Zone by Medic 1. Lifestar 1 from Springfield Georgia flew the first patient to the Trauma Center at Memorial Medical Center in Savannah. The second patient was flown by LifeNet 3 to the Trauma Center at MUSC in Charleston. The Coroner’s Office and SC Highway Patrol (MAIT) are investigating the crash.  

Engine 1, Engine 13, Medic 1, Medic 13, Medic 26, Rescue 1, Battalion 1, Car 12 and Car 107 responded. Battalion Chief Ben Heape served as Incident Commander.