Incident # 21-05960 - Three people were sent to a Trauma Center following a three vehicle MVC on Cottageville Hwy (US Hwy 17-A) at the Dorchester County line, Thursday morning 19-August at 08:14. Engine 9 arrived to find one Ford pick-up truck hauling a trailer overturned in the southbound lane. The trailer had broken apart and spilled much of its contents onto the highway. The northbound lane was blocked by two vehicles who had hit head-on at a high rate of speed, causing heavy damage to both passenger cars. The driver of a Dodge Charger was trapped in the wreckage. Engine 9 requested two additional Fire-Rescue Ambulances. The CARE Flight helicopter also responded, but was not used. A private ambulance from FMT rode up on the accident shortly after it occurred and their personnel rendered aid to the injured. County Firefighter-Paramedics used Holmatro Rescue Tools to free the driver of the Dodge Charger. All three patients were transported emergent to the Trauma Center at Trident Medical Center in North Charleston. The highway remained closed for two hours until the damaged vehicles could be removed. The SC Highway Patrol is investigating the accident. The drivers of two of the vehicles indicated a fourth vehicle may have contributed to the accident.
Engine 9, Rescue 1, Medic 1, Medic 9, Medic 19, Car 101, Car 104, Car 109 and Car 112 responded. Lt. KC Campbell served as Incident Commander.
