30/October/2019 – Fatal MVC with Entrapment – “C” Shift

Incident # 19-07622 – A SC man was killed and a 24 yr old NC man injured in a head-on collision on I-95 northbound near the 62 mile marker Wednesday afternoon 30-October at 15:35. Prior to the collision, 9-1-1 and the Highway Patrol had received reports of a black vehicle traveling south in the northbound lanes on I-95. Both agencies had Law Enforcement Officers responding to the vicinity. Meanwhile, two northbound tractor trailer drivers stopped their vehicles side by side near the 65 mile marker and were able to stop the southbound black BMW. One driver exited his truck and attempted to remove the keys from the car, however the BMW driver sped away, striking the front of one semi-truck and narrowly missing the driver of the second truck as he was preparing to exit to assist the first truck driver. Witnesses reported the BMW drove into the grass median, then continued driving south in the northbound lanes. 9-1-1 received additional reports from callers, one of which reported the BMW attempted to hit him. Units from the Sheriff’s Office and Highway Patrol were traveling emergent in an effort to reach the car, but he collided head-on with a northbound Toyota Avalon near the 62 mile marker, south of the McLeod Road interchange. Both cars received heavy damage and blocked the northbound lanes of the Interstate stopping northbound traffic. Law Enforcement units arrived minutes later.

Fire-Rescue was dispatched to the location at 15:35. On arrival, Firefighter-Paramedics found the highway blocked by the vehicles and debris. The driver of the BWM appeared to have died on impact and was trapped in the wreckage. The driver of the Toyota was found on the ground near his car with leg and other traumatic injuries. He had been wearing a seatbelt. Firefighter-Paramedics treated his injuries at the scene. He was transported to the Trauma Center at Trident Hospital by Fire-Rescue Medic 26. The Coroner’s Office was notified regarding the fatality and they responded to the accident site. Following their investigation, Firefighter-Paramedics used Holmatro Rescue Tools to extricate the driver of the BMW. The Coroner’s Office transported him to the morgue. Sheriff’s Deputies diverted traffic from northbound I-95 to Bells Hwy (SC Hwy 64). Northbound traffic was blocked and detoured for over two hours causing it to back up nine miles. Traffic through Walterboro was heavy most of the afternoon and into the evening as travelers attempted to find an alternate route. The SC Highway Patrol is investigating the crash.

Engine 24, Medic 1, Medic 26, Rescue 1, Battalion 1, Car 107, Car 110, Car 112, Car 117, Car 118 and Car 119 responded. Battalion Chief Chris Jones served as Incident Commander.