Lexington, SC (Paul Kirby) – Lexington County’s EMS, law enforcement officers, and multiple units from the fire service responded to the 200 block of Mill Stream Road in Lexington Wednesday after a vehicle overturned and landed in a creek that’s there. Fire units from multiple stations responded because different trucks are equipped with the various gear for a water rescue.
The first arriving county rescuers reported that at least one occupant was trapped in the vehicle. No officials have said whether there were others involved. They have reported that there is at least one fatality on the scene. They responded just after 1:00 p.m. and were leaving the scene about 2:30 p.m.
Lexington County firefighters have all the equipment at their disposal to make a cold-water rescue. This includes special suits that will protect them from the frigid temperatures. Although the rescuers are not restricted by a lack of equipment or training, time is of the essence. If the vehicle crashed into the water and landed upside down, there is very little time to rescue any trapped occupant. Much of the equipment needed for a rescue such as this is kept at the station on Riverchase Way off Corley Mill Road. If someone is trapped in a vehicle in the water, responders would have to arrive within moments to successfully rescue that individual. The temperature in the area at the time of the accident was in the low 40s.
Lexington County Coroner Margaret Fisher’s Office is investigating. She will release the name of anyone who passed in the crash after she has notified their family. Until then, please do not put names or a description of any vehicles on social media.
