Incident # 25-08763 - A tragic motor vehicle collision in the 5600 block of Green Pond Hwy (SC Hwy 303) has claimed four lives. The accident occurred Monday evening 03-Nov at 18:36 on the rural highway four miles south of Walterboro. A Volkswagon Jetta and a Dodge Caravan collided head-on causing extensive damage to both vehicles, blocking both lanes of Green Pond Hwy. Three unrestrained occupants were in the Jetta. Two were trapped and the male driver of the Caravan was also trapped in the wreckage. Both vehicles caught fire.
Fire-Rescue units arrived 8 minutes later. Two brave bystanders were removing an unconscious 8 yr old male from the back seat of the burning Jetta. The Caravan was fully involved in the center of the highway. Engine 6 deployed one handline to extinguish the fire in the Jetta so other crew members could begin treating the remaining two occupants. They then extinguished the fire in the minivan. Crews used Holmatro Rescue Tools to gain access to the victims inside the Jetta. A 16 yr old male was deceased from multiple traumatic injuries. Firefighter-Paramedics evaluated the 8 yr old who the bystanders placed about 50 feet away from the car. He also suffered multiple injuries and had no signs of life. The adult female driver was semiconscious and in critical condition. She was extricated and moved to Fire-Rescue Medic 1 for treatment. Firefighter-Paramedics treated her injuries and administered two units of whole blood. Two medical helicopters had been requested and were enroute to the scene. One was canceled. Firefighters proceeded to extinguish the fully involved minivan. The driver was trapped in the wreckage and was deceased. Two canines in the vehicle were also deceased. The Coroner's Office was requested and responded.
Engine 6, Tender 6, Rescue 1, Medic 1, Medic 6, Medic 19, Battalion 1, Car 107, Car 111, Car 116 and Car 118 responded. Battalion Chief Brent Dalton served as Incident Commander.
