Driver killed in four-car crash in Hartsville
One driver is dead and another hospitalized after a four-vehicle collision involving a Darlington County School District activity bus.
According to Cpl. Sonny Collins with the South Carolina Highway Patrol, the crash occurred Thursday, June 1, around 7:53 a.m. on U.S. Hwy 15 about 1.5 miles south of Hartsville.
The four vehicles involved were a 2004 Chevrolet car, a 2011 Dodge truck, a Darlington County School District Activity Bus, and a 2002 BMW.
There were no students aboard the DCSD bus.
“The 2004 Chevrolet was traveling north on Hwy 15. The vehicle drove left of center, sideswiping the 2011 Dodge truck that was traveling southbound, and then struck head-on the school bus that was also traveling southbound. Debris from the crash struck the 2002 BMW. The driver of the 2004 Chevrolet that crossed the center line and struck the bus head-on was killed as a result of the crash,” said Collins.
Darlington County Coroner J. Todd Hardee identified the victim as Betty Stokes, 51, of Lamar. She was pronounced dead at Carolina Pines Regional Medical Center in Hartsville.
The driver of the school bus was transported to Carolina Pines Hospital for treatment. Collins confirmed that all drivers involved in this collision were wearing safety belts.
This incident remains under investigation by the Darlington County Coroner’s Office and the South Carolina Highway Patrol.