Four Dead, Including Three Children, in Deadly 18-Wheeler Crash
According to WUSA9, three young children and a 27-year-old died after a tractor-trailer crashes into their car, pinning them against trees off the road in Colleton County, South Carolina, on Friday evening.
Family on their Way to Wedding
The family of five and a friend traveled on Interstate 95 in the early morning hours. The victims’ grandfather says the family’s vehicle started to experience mechanical problems, so the driver slowed down and put on the hazard lights.
At around 4:00 a.m. local time, an 18-wheeler collided with the car, driving up the back of the Ford Taurus and off the side of the interstate, according to WUSA9. The mangled wreckage of the car and tractor-trailer then slammed into the tree line, crushing the family’s car.
WUSA9 reports that seven-year-old Devin Jr., six-year-old Nicholas, and five-year-old Leah Harley died in the crash. Their mother, Nancy Harley, is currently receiving treatment at a hospital and is fighting for her life. The family friend, Lani Tran, 27, also died in the wreck.
The driver of the 18-wheeler did not sustain injuries in the collision, according to WUSA9. Police are investigating whether the semi-truck driver fell asleep at the wheel before the collision.
Trucking Accident Statistics
The following information is provided by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA):
- In 2014, 3,903 people died in crashes involving large trucks.
- Occupants of other vehicles made up 73 percent of these fatalities.
- An estimated 111,000 people sustained injuries in crashes involving large trucks in 2014, an increase of 17 percent from 2013.
- In 2014, large trucks accounted for eight percent of all vehicles involved in fatal crashes.
