News Summary
This week, Florence County experienced two devastating traffic accidents resulting in the tragic loss of three lives. A 79-year-old woman perished in a collision on I-95, and two men died in a head-on crash on West John Paul Jones Road. The community mourns these losses and emphasizes the urgent need for improving road safety as discussions around traffic fatalities intensify.
Tragic Road Accidents in Florence County Claim Three Lives
Florence, South Carolina, has been shaken by two devastating traffic accidents this week, resulting in the heartbreaking loss of three lives. The local community is coming together to mourn the victims and reflect on the importance of road safety.
First Accident: A Grievous Collision on I-95
The first incident occurred on a bustling Tuesday afternoon on *I-95*, where a 79-year-old woman from Virginia Beach, named Grace Wellman, lost her life in a two-vehicle collision involving a motor home. Despite swift responses from multiple local agencies, including the West Florence Fire Department and Florence County EMS, she was pronounced dead at the scene, according to officials from the Florence County Coroner’s Office.
The accident, which involved significant damage, has led to an ongoing investigation by the South Carolina Highway Patrol as they work to piece together the circumstances surrounding this tragic event. With summer travel peaking, highways are busier than ever, reminding drivers to stay vigilant and be cautious while on the road.
Second Accident: Heartbreaking Head-On Collision
- Wilbur Everett Hobbs, age 78
- Byron Philip Johnson, age 46
Both drivers tragically lost their lives at the scene, although authorities have yet to confirm which individual was behind the wheel of each vehicle at the time of the crash. Fortunately, no other individuals were reported injured from this incident, but it remains uncertain whether seat belts were used by either driver.
The collision happened near the intersection with *Cummings Road*, raising concerns over safety measures at busy intersections. Investigators from the South Carolina Highway Patrol are looking closely into the details to find out what led to this unfortunate event.
Road Safety Concerns on the Rise
These recent accidents have reignited discussions on road safety in South Carolina. As of now, statistics reveal that 67 people have tragically died on state roads in only 2025. Alarmingly, at least six of those fatalities have been linked to accidents in Florence County alone. This rising number emphasizes the urgent need for drivers to exercise greater caution.
The local community is feeling the weight of these losses, and many are coming together to support the families of the deceased men and women. Accidents like these highlight how important it is to be aware of our surroundings when driving and to follow safety guidelines.
A Call for Action
As these investigations continue, the hope is that lessons will be learned that may prevent future tragedies on the roads. Local organizations and community leaders are calling for initiatives that promote driver awareness and advocacy for safer road conditions, as they seek to ensure Florence County remains a safe place for all its residents and visitors.
For now, the community grieves, but together, they also aim to foster a culture of safety and responsibility on the roads to ensure that no more families have to endure such heartache.
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Additional Resources
- WMBF News: Coroner IDs 2 Drivers Killed After Head-On Collision
- WPDE: 2 Timmonsville Residents Identified in Fatal Collision
- WBTW News: Coroner Identifies 2 Killed in Florence County Collision
- MSN: Two Killed in Florence County Head-On Collision
- Wikipedia: Traffic Collisions
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.
