Tragic Car Crash in Eastover Claims Life of 77-Year-Old
Eastover, South Carolina โ A tragic car accident occurred Tuesday morning when a vehicle drove off the road, leading to the death of a 77-year-old woman and hospitalization of her passenger. According to the South Carolina Highway Patrol, the incident took place around 11:15 a.m. on McCordโs Ferry Road.
Victim Identified
The victim has been identified as Evelyn Reynolds, a resident of Lugoff. Richland County Coroner Naida Rutherford confirmed that Reynolds passed away at the scene. The car, a 2013 Hyundai Elantra, was being driven southbound on McCordโs Ferry Road when the accident happened.
Accident Details
Master Trooper William Bennett provided further insight into the events leading up to the crash. Reynoldsโ vehicle veered off the right side of the road near the intersection with Joe Collins Road. After leaving the roadway, the car struck railroad tracks before descending an embankment, ultimately colliding with two trees and a utility pole.
The impact was severe, resulting in Reynoldsโ immediate death. A passenger who was traveling with her was rushed to Prisma Health Richland hospital for treatment. As of now, details regarding the passenger’s condition have not been disclosed, and no other injuries were reported as a result of this incident.
Investigation Underway
The cause of the vehicle’s drift off the roadway remains unclear, and the South Carolina Highway Patrol is actively investigating the crash. There is currently no information available regarding whether either the driver or passenger was wearing a seat belt at the time of the accident.
Road Safety Concerns
This unfortunate incident is part of a troubling trend in South Carolinaโs road safety statistics. As of Sunday, a total of 926 fatalities have been reported on state roads in 2024, according to the South Carolina Department of Public Safety. In comparison, the previous year recorded 1,030 deaths in similar circumstances. Richland County has seen at least 49 road-related deaths this year alone, with the number reaching 61 in the whole of 2023.
Community Impact
The community is left grappling with the loss of Reynolds, a long-time resident. As investigations continue, officials urge drivers to exercise care and attention while on the roadways. The tragic incident underscores the importance of road safety and the potential dangers that can arise from momentary lapses in attention.
As this is an evolving situation, more details will be shared as they become available, and updates will be provided to keep the public informed. The South Carolina Highway Patrol is dedicated to concluding the investigation promptly to determine the factors that led to this devastating event.
