A deadly crash involving five vehicles on Interstate 26 in Laurens County, South Carolina, claimed the life of one person and left four others injured, including a 7-year-old child. The accident occurred just before 8 p.m. Wednesday on the eastbound side of I-26 near mile marker 60, according to the South Carolina Highway Patrol.
Authorities reported that a tractor-trailer and two cars were stopped in traffic when a third car attempted to back into the emergency lane. A second tractor-trailer collided with one of the stopped vehicles, forcing it into the median barrier and causing a chain reaction that involved the other vehicles.
The crash resulted in the death of 73-year-old Anthony White of Piedmont, South Carolina, who was pronounced dead at the scene. Four others, including a child, sustained injuries and were transported to local hospitals. Two of the injured were airlifted to a Greenville hospital for advanced treatment, according to the Laurens County Coroner’s Office.
The drivers of the remaining three vehicles involved in the crash were uninjured. The collision temporarily shut down the highway as emergency crews worked to assist victims and investigate the cause of the accident.
The South Carolina Highway Patrol is actively investigating the circumstances leading to the crash. Authorities are working to determine whether other factors contributed to the collision and are encouraging anyone with relevant information to come forward.
This tragic incident underscores the dangers of highway traffic, particularly when involving large vehicles like tractor-trailers. The loss of Anthony White and the injuries sustained by others, especially the young child, have deeply impacted the local community.
As the investigation continues, authorities aim to uncover details that could lead to accountability and potentially improve safety measures to prevent similar tragedies in the future.