Fatal Dump Truck Crash Claims Life in Florence County

News Summary

A tragic accident occurred on Hyman Road, Florence County, resulting in the death of 48-year-old Willie Leverne Lee, Jr. The dump truck from the Florence County Public Works Department veered off the road and crashed into a tree. First responders pronounced Lee dead at the scene. An investigation led by the South Carolina Highway Patrol is underway to determine the cause of the accident. Hyman Road was temporarily closed to facilitate the investigation. This incident highlights the dangers of road travel, especially involving heavy vehicles.

Florence, South Carolina – A fatal crash on Wednesday morning has resulted in the death of a 48-year-old man in Florence County. The victim has been identified as Willie Leverne Lee, Jr., a resident of Coward. The incident occurred around 9:30 a.m. on Hyman Road, approximately three miles west of Pamplico.

The accident involved a dump truck that belongs to the Florence County Public Works Department. According to preliminary reports, the truck was traveling east on Hyman Road when it veered off the right side of the road. The driver overcorrected to the left before subsequently returning to the right and crashing into a tree.

First responders arrived at the scene, where Lee was pronounced dead by Florence County Coroner Keith VonLutcken. The South Carolina Highway Patrol is currently investigating the circumstances surrounding the accident, with Master Trooper Brandon J. Bolt leading the investigation.

Hyman Road was temporarily shut down between Friendfield Road and Two Notch due to the wreck, an action taken by Florence County Emergency Management. The road closure was necessary to facilitate the investigation and to ensure the safety of the responding emergency personnel.

This tragic incident marks a solemn reminder of the dangers present on the roads, and the investigation into this specific collision is ongoing. Authorities will work to uncover all possible contributing factors to the accident, with an emphasis on understanding how the dump truck lost control and the events leading up to the crash.

Background Information on the Incident

Vehicle accidents involving heavy-duty trucks, such as those used in public works, can have particularly devastating consequences due to the size and weight of the vehicles. Local residents are urged to exercise caution when driving in areas where heavy machinery is in operation. In this case, the Public Works Department’s vehicle was engaged in regular transportation duties when the tragedy struck.

A community in mourning now grieves the loss of Lee, whose death has prompted an outpouring of support from friends and family. The impact of such incidents resonates well beyond the individuals involved, affecting entire communities. Given the ongoing nature of the investigation, more details may emerge regarding the accident and the conditions of the road at the time.

Florence County has seen its share of traffic incidents, and officials continually remind drivers to adhere to road safety protocols. Awareness of the frequency of accidents and understanding of safe driving practices are crucial, particularly on roads that may not have the same level of infrastructure as urban areas.

Conclusion

The community is encouraged to stay informed as the investigation progresses. The South Carolina Highway Patrol will provide updates on their findings, which may help prevent future incidents. As our thoughts are with the victim’s family, we are reminded of the importance of safety on the road, particularly concerning larger vehicles used for public services.

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Additional Resources

• WPDE News
• Google Search: Florence County dump truck accident
• WSAW News
• Google Scholar: traffic safety Florence County
• The State
• Encyclopedia Britannica: traffic accidents
• SC Now
• Google News: Florence County traffic crash