Fatal Collision in Orangeburg County Involving Tractor-Trailer and Box Truck
ORANGEBURG, S.C. — Authorities have released the identity of a South Carolina man killed in a collision involving two commercial vehicles early Friday morning.
Orangeburg County Coroner Sean Fogle identified the deceased as Freddeerico Alexander, 51, of Blair, South Carolina.
Incident Details
The South Carolina Highway Patrol (SCHP) responded to the scene at approximately 2:45 a.m. on Friday. The crash occurred at the intersection of Whetstone Road and North Road in Orangeburg County.
According to investigators, the collision involved two large commercial vehicles:
- Vehicle 1: A 2016 Freightliner tractor-trailer traveling northbound on Whetstone Road.
- Vehicle 2: A 2023 Mercedes-Benz box truck, operated by Alexander.
The SCHP reported that the Mercedes-Benz box truck was in the process of backing east onto Whetstone Road when the northbound Freightliner struck the vehicle.
Medical Response and Fatality
Emergency responders transported both drivers to local medical facilities following the impact. Alexander was taken to Lexington Medical Center, where he ultimately succumbed to his injuries.
The driver of the Freightliner was also hospitalized; however, their identity and current medical status have not been released to the public.
Ongoing Investigation
The South Carolina Highway Patrol is continuing to investigate the specific circumstances surrounding the crash. As of now, no charges have been announced.
Safety Note: This incident underscores the inherent risks of nighttime commercial vehicle maneuvers on rural roads. Motorists are encouraged to exercise extreme caution near intersections where heavy machinery and transport trucks frequently operate.
