News Summary
A tragic head-on collision in Florence County, South Carolina, on February 12, 2025, resulted in the deaths of two local men, Wilbur Hobbs, 78, and Byron Johnson, 46. The incident, involving a 2011 Kia SUV and a 2023 Chevrolet SUV, has left the community in mourning as investigations by the South Carolina Highway Patrol continue. With road safety becoming a growing concern, residents are urged to prioritize cautious driving to prevent further tragedies.
Tragic Head-On Collision Claims Two Lives in Florence County
Florence County, South Carolina, is reeling from a devastating head-on collision that occurred on the evening of Monday, February 12, 2025. The fatal crash took place on West Paul Jones Road at approximately 6:15 PM, leading to a heart-wrenching loss for the local community.
A Closer Look at the Incident
The collision involved two vehicles—a 2011 Kia SUV traveling south and a 2023 Chevrolet SUV heading north. Both drivers, identified as Wilbur Everett Hobbs, 78, and Byron Philip Johnson, 46, hailed from nearby Timmonsville. Sadly, the impact of their head-on crash resulted in the deaths of both men, leaving friends and family in deep sorrow. No other injuries were reported following the incident.
The exact details surrounding the crash remain unclear as the investigation is currently being handled by the South Carolina Highway Patrol. At this time, it has not been confirmed whether either driver was wearing a seat belt, which is often a crucial factor in determining the outcome of such tragic events.
Community Reaction and Safety Concerns
As news of the collision spread, residents within Florence County began to express their disbelief and sadness. This latest incident marks another unfortunate entry in the county’s accident statistics. To date, 67 people have died on South Carolina roads in 2025, and Florence County has recorded at least six fatalities in crashes this year alone. The statistics are alarmingly similar to the previous year—2024 saw 25 reported deaths in the county, highlighting a distressing trend.
The South Carolina Department of Public Safety reported that there were at least 948 fatalities across the state in 2024, making it evident that road safety remains a significant concern. With the growing number of accidents, local communities are becoming increasingly aware of the need for cautious driving and adherence to safety measures on the roads.
The Importance of Safety Awareness
As we reflect on this tragic news, it serves as a reminder for all drivers. It’s crucial to stay alert and follow traffic laws to ensure safe travels. The recent rise in road fatalities in Florence County is not just a statistic; it affects real people—friends, families, and neighbors.
While local authorities continue their investigation into the crash, discussions are likely to arise about road safety and prevention measures that can be taken to hopefully curb the rising number of incidents. Everyone has a role to play in keeping our roads safe, whether it’s by wearing seat belts, avoiding distractions, or simply being more attentive.
Final Thoughts
As residents of Florence County come to terms with the loss of two members of their community, we extend our heartfelt condolences to the families and friends of Wilbur Everett Hobbs and Byron Philip Johnson. May their memories serve as a reminder to us all about the fragility of life and the importance of responsible driving.
Remember, every trip on the road has its risks, but by keeping safety as a top priority, we can work towards preventing tragedies like this from happening again. Stay safe out there, Florence County!
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Additional Resources
- WMBF News
- Wikipedia: Road Safety
- WPDE News
- Google Search: Florence County traffic collision
- WBTW News
- Google Scholar: Traffic Accidents South Carolina
- The State
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Road Safety
- WBTW News 2
- Google News: Florence County accidents
Author: STAFF HERE FLORENCE WRITER
FLORENCE STAFF WRITER The FLORENCE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREFlorence.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Florence, Florence 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 Florence Festival of Lights, Pee Dee Pride, and agricultural expos at the Florence Center. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Florence Regional Chamber of Commerce and the Pee Dee Area Council of Governments, plus leading businesses in healthcare and retail that power the local economy such as McLeod Health and Pee Dee Electric Cooperative. As part of the broader HERE network, including HERECharleston.com, HEREColumbia.com, HEREGreenville.com, and HEREHiltonHead.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into South Carolina's dynamic landscape.
