Man Fatally Struck by Train While Evading Police in Richland County Richland County, SC – A man has died after being struck by a train while attempting to evade police near Columbia, South Carolina. According to authorities, the incident occurred around 1:30 AM on Sunday, March 5th, 2023, in the Blythewood area. Police had attempted to stop a vehicle for a traffic violation, but the driver refused to pull over and led officers on a brief pursuit. As the chase approached the railroad tracks near River Road and Scipio Road, the vehicle involved attempted to cross the tracks before an oncoming train. The train struck the vehicle, causing it to overturn. Firefighters and EMS personnel responded to the scene and found the driver of the vehicle seriously injured. He was transported to the hospital, where he later died from his injuries. The Richland County Coroner’s Office has identified the deceased as 25-year-old James Smith of Columbia. The train engineer and passengers were not injured in the crash. The South Carolina Highway Patrol is investigating the incident.
One person killed after trying to elude police
One person killed after trying to elude police
One person has died in a crash after trying to elude law enforcement, the South Carolina Highway Patrol announced.
A 2009 Ford Fusion was traveling along Colonial Drive about two miles north of Columbia on Friday afternoon, Master Trooper William Bennett said.
At approximately 2:30 p.m., deputies from the Richland County Sheriff’s Department attempted to pull over the car for a traffic violation. When they turned on their blue lights and sirens, the car drove away.
The driver lost control and veered off the road to the right before hitting a tree.
The driver was transported to Prisma Health Richland Hospital, where he died from his injuries. The Richland County Coroner’s Office has not publicly identified them.
The SC Highway Patrol continues to investigate the incident.
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Police Chase in South Carolina Ends in Fatality Authorities are investigating a fatal incident involving a police pursuit that ended near Columbia. According to officials, a high-speed chase ensued after a vehicle failed to yield to police in Richland County. The suspects drove recklessly, attempting to evade apprehension. During the chase, the suspect vehicle lost control and crashed. Tragically, one of the occupants was pronounced dead at the scene. The other occupants were taken into custody. The identity of the deceased has not yet been released. Authorities are working to determine the cause of the accident and any potential charges against the surviving suspects. The incident highlights the dangers of high-speed pursuits and the importance of following police instructions during traffic stops. The community extends its condolences to the family and friends of the victim.
