News Summary
The South Carolina Highway Patrol is investigating two separate deadly vehicle accidents in Orangeburg County, resulting in multiple fatalities and injuries. The incidents involved collisions on Interstate 95 and SC-267, as well as a single-vehicle crash on U.S. Highway 301. Authorities are urging drivers to prioritize road safety as investigations continue.
Orangeburg, South Carolina – The South Carolina Highway Patrol (SCHP) is currently investigating two separate deadly vehicle accidents that occurred in Orangeburg County, resulting in multiple fatalities and serious injuries. These incidents have raised concerns about road safety in the area.
The first accident took place on Saturday at approximately 10:53 a.m. on Interstate 95 northbound, close to the 95-mile marker. In this tragic collision, a 2016 Honda traveling north collided with a 2014 Ford pickup truck that was moving south in the northbound lanes. Both drivers involved in the crash were transported to the hospital for treatment of their injuries. Unfortunately, a passenger in the Honda later died from the injuries sustained in the accident. The Aiken County Coroner’s Office is actively investigating this death, which involves an Aiken man.
In a separate incident, another fatal crash occurred on Thursday around 11:50 a.m. at SC-267 at Misty Wood Drive, roughly five miles south of Elloree. A 2022 FedEx Ford transport van was traveling north on SC-267 when, for reasons not yet disclosed, it veered off the left side of the road and struck a ditch. One of the two occupants in the FedEx vehicle was pronounced dead at the scene. The identity of this deceased individual has not been released pending notification of family members by the Orangeburg County Coroner’s Office.
The third accident involving a fatality occurred early in the morning on the same day of the earlier FedEx crash, around 1:40 a.m. on U.S. Highway 301, near LaChance Drive. In this incident, 34-year-old Frederick McClatchie from Elloree was driving a 2004 Chevrolet SUV when he lost control. The vehicle ran off the right side of the roadway, collided with a tree, and subsequently flipped over. McClatchie was the sole occupant of the SUV at the time and tragically died at the scene due to blunt force injuries.
Authorities from the SCHP have stated that their investigations into these accidents are ongoing. The outcomes and factors leading to each crash are still being examined as they collect evidence and data. There are no updates on potential charges or the detailed circumstances of how the accidents transpired.
Traffic safety is a significant concern in South Carolina, and these recent events highlight the urgent need for drivers to remain vigilant and cautious while on the road. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), traffic fatalities in South Carolina have been increasing over the past few years. This trend serves as a reminder about the importance of safe driving practices, following speed limits, and the dangers of distracted driving.
As the SCHP continues its investigations into these untimely accidents, the community is reminded to stay informed and prioritize road safety. Members of the public are encouraged to report any hazardous driving behaviors they observe and to adhere carefully to traffic laws to prevent further tragedies on the roads.
In summary, Orangeburg County has been shaken by these recent fatal vehicle accidents. With multiple investigations underway, authorities are urging drivers to be aware and exercise caution as they navigate the roads.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Tragic Single-Vehicle Crash Claims Life in Aiken County
Additional Resources
- WRDW: Passenger killed, 2 hospitalized in car crash Orangeburg
- Wikipedia: Traffic safety
- Live 5 News: Troopers investigate fatal Orangeburg County collision
- Google Search: Orangeburg County traffic accidents
- WRDW: Driver identified in deadly crash Orangeburg County
- Google Scholar: South Carolina traffic safety
- WisTV: 1 killed in Orangeburg County crash
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Car accidents
- ABC News 4: Coroner IDs man fatally wounded in Orangeburg County crash
- Google News: Orangeburg County accidents
Author: STAFF HERE AIKEN
The AIKEN STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREAiken.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Aiken, Aiken County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Aiken Horse Show, Aiken Bluegrass Festival, and polo matches at Whitney Field. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Aiken Chamber of Commerce and the Aiken County Historical Museum, plus leading businesses in manufacturing and tourism that power the local economy such as Bridgestone and the Aiken County Visitors Center. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAiken.com, HEREBeaufort.com, HEREChapin.com, HERECharleston.com, HEREClinton.com, HEREColumbia.com, HEREGeorgetown.com, HEREGreenwood.com, HEREGreenville.com, HEREHiltonHead.com, HEREIrmo.com, HEREMyrtleBeach.com, HERENewberry.com, HERERockHill.com, and HERESpartanburg.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into South Carolina's dynamic landscape.
