Incident # 25-05018 - At 05:12, Tuesday 24-June a northbound semi-truck left the roadway on Interstate 95 near the 60 mile marker and struck several trees in the median. The cab received heavy damage from the impact, but the front of the trailer failed and the load of 50 lb. bags of sugar were propelled forward crushing the cab from the rear. The unrestrained driver was partially ejected through the windshield, but was trapped in the wreckage as the cab was crushed. An off-duty Fire-Rescue Lieutenant arrived minutes later and began treating the unconscious driver who was hanging out of the windshield. Firefighter-Paramedics worked over 30 minutes using two sets of Holmatro Pentheon rescue tools, to extricate the man. ONe crew had to use ladders to reach the area of entrapment. He suffered severe, multiple injuries and was in critical condition. Crews treated his many injuries and administered life saving whole blood. A medical helicopter had been requested and the C.A.R.E. Flight helicopter landed on I-95 just north of the accident. The patient was transferred to the Flightcrew, then flown to the Trauma Center at HCA Trident Hospital in North Charleston. Traffic on I-95 backed up several miles and was detoured by Law Enforcement to Bells Hwy. The SC Hwy. Patrol is investigating the crash.
Engine 1, Engine 26, Engine 27, Medic 1, Medic 26, Rescue 1, Battalion 1, Car 111 and Car 112 responded. Battalion Chief Brent Dalton served as Incident Commander.
