A Spartanburg (SC) truck driver was killed after his tractor trailer over-turned on I-95 near the 65 mile marker northbound Thursday evening 22-September at 19:06. Witnesses stated the truck swerved to avoid a car who entered his lane, causing the truck to strike a guard rail. The truck received heavy damage, trapping the unrestrained driver inside.

Colleton County (SC) firefighter-paramedics arrived minutes later to find the northbound lanes blocked. The trailer, that was hauling watermelons, was in the median, while the cab was partially in the median and partially in the roadway. The truck driver suffered multiple traumatic injuries and had no signs of life.

The Coroner’s Office was notified and responded to the scene. Once the Coroner completed his investigation, crews were cleared to begin the extrication at 20:30. Holmatro rescue tools, reciprocating saws, and chains rigged to the spreaders were used to complete the extrication, which took a little over an hour.

The Coroner’s Office transported the patient. Traffic in the northbound lanes was blocked for nearly an hour and down to one lane for four hours. It was blocked again when the towing company arrived to remove the truck. The trailer was left in the median until Friday, so it could be unloaded and righted during day light hours. The SC Highway Patrol is investigating the crash.

Engine 24, Engine 26, Tender 27, Rescue 1, Medic 26, Battalion 1, Car 12, Car 107, Car 110 and Car 118 responded. Battalion Chief Scott Feather served as Incident Commander.

Barry W. McRoy, Fire Chief, Colleton County Fire-Rescue

Barry W. McRoy photo

Barry W. McRoy photo

Barry W. McRoy photo

Barry W. McRoy photo

Barry W. McRoy photo