Incident # 21-07883 - Colleton Fire-Rescue responded as mutual aid to assist Hampton County with a fatal high speed MVC on I-95 near the 40 mile marker SB at the county line Wednesday 03-November at 01:35. A southbound tractor trailer appeared to have struck the median side guardrail at the Combahee River bridge, crossed to the right side and rode the guardrail on the bridge until it ended. The truck went down an embankment into the swamp, overturned and struck several large trees causing massive damage to the semi-truck. The load of wine was ejected through the front of the trailer and littered the scene. The cab of the truck was stopped by the trees and completely separated from the chassis, trapping the driver inside the cab. The man suffered fatal multiple traumatic injuries. The diesel tanks ruptured spilling diesel fuel into the swamp. Crews contacted a heavy duty wrecker who responded to the scene and pulled the truck out of the trees. The driver was extricated from the cab and turned over to the Hampton County Coroner's Office. The area was searched for other victims, but the driver was the only person found in the truck. DHEC was requested. The SC Highway Patrol is investigating the crash.
Engine 13, Medic 13, Rescue 1, Battalion 1 and Car 112 responded. Battalion Chief Brent served as Rescue Command. Hampton County Fire-Rescue served as Incident Command. Hampton County Fire-Rescue, Yemassee Police and Hampton County EMS also responded.
