Six people were injured, two severely, in a two-vehicle high speed wreck on Interstate 95 at Exit 42 northbound Saturday June 13 at 8:13 a.m.
The vehicles collided just north of the exit, causing both cars to enter the woods. A Subaru struck several trees and overturned on its side. A Honda drove deeper into the woods and also struck several trees. Both cars received heavy damage.
An off-duty Fire-Rescue firefighter-EMT had just finished his shift and drove up on the accident immediately after it occurred. He called the incident into dispatch and began treating the injured. Help arrived minutes later. Two additional ambulances and a rescue unit were requested and responded.
A family of four was inside the Subaru and could not get out of the vehicle. Crews used a chain saw to work their way into the heavy brush and were able to free the family from the car without using hydraulic rescue tools. None of the family members suffered life-threatening injuries.
The two occupants of the Honda received more serious injuries. Both were removed from the vehicle, placed in an ambulance and transported to the Trauma Center at Trident Medical Center. Enroute to the emergency center, one patient’s condition deteriorated so Medic 9 met Medic 1 in Cottageville and took over care of one of the patients.
Both units continued to Trident Trauma Center.
The four patients in the Subaru were all wearing seatbelts and denied the need for further medical treatment or transport to a hospital.
Units were on the scene for 1-1/2 hours.
The S.C. Highway Patrol is investigating the crash.
