Lexington, SC (Paul Kirby) 4 a.m. – A serious vehicle collision closed all lanes of I-20 west at Sunset Boulevard early Thursday morning. One person was pronounced dead at the scene.
This collision occurred sometime around 3:00 a.m. The interstate was closed approximately 20 minutes later as multiple emergency responders had equipment and personnel working in and around the interstate’s lanes.
As with most accidents on the interstate, there was confusion about the exact location as citizens dialed 911 to report the collision. It was first believed to be closer to Sunset Boulevard. The SCHP received the first calls and alerted Lexington County. A trooper arrived followed quickly by a County EMS unit. They helped pinpoint the location of the collision for other first responders. It was actually in the vicinity of the 60 mile-marker.
According to Corporal Sonny Collins of the SCHP, a pickup heading west on I-20 ran off the side of the interstate. It then struck a guardrail. This killed the driver who was alone in the vehicle at the time of the collision.
Lexington County dispatched EMS and fire units to the collision. The Lexington Police Department also had an officer respond and later assisted in closing the interstate at Sunset Boulevard. As emergency personnel from Lexington County arrived and assessed the situation, they reported a person heavily entrapped in the wreckage. That person was later determined to be deceased.
Lexington County Coroner Margaret Fisher’s office was notified. Her office had personnel respond as well. They are tasked with identifying the exact cause of death of the driver and notifying that person’s next of kin.
As of 4:30 a.m. on Thursday, May 14, 2020, all west bound lanes of I-20 were still closed. We will try and update this story when the interstate is reopened.
