Charleston Fire Department Provides Help After Fatal Car Accident

November 17, 2010 - The Charleston Fire Department is assisting fellow firefighters in Columbia after a tragic car accident on Interstate 20. The accident killed a 23-year-old firefighter from Columbia and seriously injured another, according to a report at MidlandsConnect.com.

The accident occurred on Saturday afternoon, when the Columbia Fire Department was clearing a brush fire near Interstate 20 and Clemson Road. Investigators with the South Carolina Highway Patrol determined that a driver behind the wheel of a van was speeding down the interstate when she rear-ended a SUV, which then crashed into 2 firefighters.

A 23-year-old firefighter was pronounced dead at nearby hospital. He was planning to get married in April. His partner, a 30-year-old firefighter, is currently recovering from serious injuries, but doctors believe he will survive. The driver who caused the crash has been charged with speeding and driving without a valid driver's license.

Firefighters from Charleston made their way to Columbia shortly after the car accident. These firefighters have been trained as grief counselors and will provide support to those affected by the crash. Firefighters from Charleston will also work in Columbia on Wednesday so that Columbia's firefighters can attend a memorial service.