Paramedic among 2 dead after car hits first responders at crash site, SC officials say
UPDATE: As of Aug. 12, a driver was facing reckless homicide charges in the case. The Florence County Sheriff’s Office identified the driver as 71-year-old Jacqueline Williams but didn’t list attorney information for her in a news release.
The original story is below.
A South Carolina paramedic was among two people killed after a car ran into first responders at a crash scene, officials said.
Florence County Emergency Medical Services said it was working with other agencies at the site of a crash when a car barreled through. The car was coming from the wrong direction and hit at least four people, “including one of the paramedics and two law enforcement officers,” according to officials.
“We are heartbroken and overwhelmed by grief as we announce that two people died following this incident, including one of our paramedics,” the EMS department wrote Aug. 10 in a Facebook post.
The second crash was reported at about 9 p.m. the night before. Officials said a car crossed the median and drove at a “high rate of speed” as crews were “managing the scene” of an earlier motorcycle and car wreck along Pamplico Highway in Florence, roughly 65 miles northwest of Myrtle Beach.
“Traffic in the south bound lane of Pamplico Highway was blocked while first responders were treating injury victims from that accident when a vehicle traveling north on Pamplico Highway proceeded through the accident scene in the south bound lanes, striking one of the injured victims, an EMS paramedic, a Florence Police Officer and a Highway Patrol Trooper,” the Florence County Sheriff’s Office wrote in a Facebook post.
Officials said the paramedic and a motorcycle rider that she was treating died. The Florence County Coroner’s Office identified them as 32-year-old Sara Weaver and 37-year-old Cedric Gregg, respectively.
The police officer and trooper had injuries that weren’t believe to be life-threatening.
The driver accused of striking several people wasn’t identified in the Facebook posts. That person’s car wasn’t involved in the original crash, according to officials.
“We ask for prayers for everyone involved,” the EMS department wrote.
An investigation continues, and anyone with information is asked to call deputies at 843-665-2121, ext. 372 or Crime Stoppers at 888-274-6372. People can also submit tips on the Florence County Sheriff’s Office mobile application.
This story was originally published August 10, 2022 at 7:57 AM with the headline "Paramedic among 2 dead after car hits first responders at crash site, SC officials say."
