SUMTER, SC – Monica Wright, a 48-year-old Columbia resident, lost her life in a tragic multi-vehicle crash early Sunday morning. The Sumter County Coroner’s Office confirmed the incident, which occurred at the intersection of U.S. 378/Broad Street and S.C. 261/South Kings Highway near Shaw Air Force Base.
The fatal collision happened around 2 a.m., according to Coroner Robbie Baker. Wright was pronounced dead at the scene due to injuries sustained in the crash. It remains unclear if Wright was a driver or passenger or whether she was wearing a seat belt at the time of the incident.
Authorities have not yet determined the exact cause of the crash. The South Carolina Highway Patrol, along with the Sumter County Coroner’s Office, has launched an investigation to piece together the circumstances leading to the collision. The number of vehicles involved and the conditions surrounding the crash remain under review.
Wright was the only fatality reported in the accident, and there has been no word on whether others involved suffered injuries. An autopsy is scheduled at the Medical University of South Carolina in Charleston to provide further clarity on Wright’s cause of death.
This intersection, a critical juncture near Shaw Air Force Base, sees significant traffic daily, raising concerns about road safety in the area. Community members are calling for improvements to prevent future tragedies, such as better lighting, signage, or enhanced traffic control measures.
The loss of Monica Wright has left her family and the Columbia community mourning her sudden passing. As investigators work to uncover the details surrounding the crash, her loved ones face the difficult task of coming to terms with their heartbreaking loss. This incident serves as a somber reminder of the importance of caution and vigilance on the roads.