Two Killed, Others Injured in Separate Crashes Across Allendale and Edgefield Counties in South Carolina
SOUTH CAROLINA — A heartbreaking day unfolded across South Carolina on Sunday as two fatal vehicle crashes in separate counties claimed the lives of two individuals and left several others injured. The accidents, which occurred in Allendale and Edgefield counties just hours apart, have left communities mourning and law enforcement officials calling for increased road safety awareness.
Allendale County: One Dead in Single-Vehicle Crash
The first of the two tragic incidents occurred in Allendale County, in the small town of Ulmer. According to the South Carolina Highway Patrol, emergency crews responded to a call around 7:46 a.m. regarding a single-vehicle crash on U.S. Highway 301 near Wells Branch Road.
Authorities report that a 2018 Honda Accord was traveling southbound on U.S. 301 when the driver lost control of the vehicle. The sedan veered off the roadway, struck a ditch, and overturned multiple times before coming to rest. The driver, who was the sole occupant of the vehicle, was pronounced dead at the scene by the Allendale County Coroner’s Office.
The identity of the victim has not yet been released pending notification of next of kin. Officials say the crash remains under investigation as they work to determine whether speed, mechanical failure, or other contributing factors played a role.
“This is a tragic loss of life, and our hearts go out to the family of the victim,” said Allendale County Sheriff’s Office spokesperson Lt. Melissa Granger. “We’re asking all drivers to be especially mindful of their speed and surroundings, especially on rural roads where conditions can change quickly.”
Edgefield County: Multi-Vehicle Crash Claims One Life, Injures Others
Later in the day, a separate and equally devastating crash occurred in Edgefield County. The multi-vehicle collision took place just before 3:00 p.m. on U.S. Highway 25 near the town of Edgefield, involving at least two passenger vehicles and resulting in one fatality and multiple injuries.
According to South Carolina Highway Patrol Master Trooper Brandon Bolt, a northbound vehicle crossed the centerline under unknown circumstances and struck an oncoming car head-on. Both vehicles sustained extensive damage, and emergency responders were dispatched quickly to the scene to provide medical aid and secure the area.
One person was pronounced dead at the scene, while others involved in the crash were transported to local hospitals with various injuries. The severity of those injuries has not been disclosed, but authorities confirmed that at least one victim was airlifted to a trauma center for urgent care.
The Edgefield County Coroner’s Office is working closely with troopers to positively identify the deceased and notify family members.
“This was a very serious crash with a tragic outcome,” said Trooper Bolt. “We urge everyone to exercise caution, avoid distractions, and always remain vigilant while behind the wheel. These events are stark reminders of how quickly lives can change on our roadways.”
Communities Left Grieving
As news of both crashes spread, community members across Allendale and Edgefield counties expressed sorrow and offered condolences to the families of the victims. In Ulmer, where the morning crash took place, neighbors left flowers and messages of remembrance near the scene. In Edgefield, local churches began organizing prayer services for the injured and the deceased.
“These tragedies affect the whole community,” said Pastor James Wiggins of Ulmer Baptist Church. “Whether you knew them personally or not, the grief is felt by everyone. We stand ready to support these families in any way we can.”
Local leaders and safety advocates are once again stressing the need for responsible driving, especially on South Carolina’s rural roads where visibility, lighting, and road conditions can present challenges.
Investigations Ongoing
Both accidents are under active investigation by the South Carolina Highway Patrol and local law enforcement agencies. Officials are working to reconstruct the events leading up to the crashes, and toxicology reports and witness statements will play key roles in determining contributing factors.
The South Carolina Department of Public Safety reminds drivers to always wear seat belts, obey speed limits, avoid distractions such as mobile phones, and never drive under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
As families mourn their losses and others recover from their injuries, Sunday’s tragic events serve as painful reminders of the dangers that lurk on the roads — and the urgent need for vigilance, care, and compassion from all who travel them.