Florence, SC (February 15, 2026) – A 66-year-old Florence man died after a two-vehicle crash involving a tractor-trailer on E Palmetto St near Firetower Rd, according to the Florence County Coroner.
The collision occurred on February 13 along E Palmetto St in the area of Firetower Rd. Authorities said the crash involved a passenger vehicle and a tractor-trailer. The driver of the car, identified as 66-year-old Laverne Spates of Florence, was transported to a local hospital, where he later died from his injuries.
Details regarding the circumstances leading up to the crash have not yet been released. It is unclear what factors contributed to the collision or whether additional injuries were reported. The South Carolina Highway Patrol is investigating the incident.
Traffic along E Palmetto St may have experienced delays while emergency crews responded and the roadway was assessed.
Key Details
- Location: E Palmetto St near Firetower Rd, Florence
- Reported: February 13, 2026
- Type: Two-vehicle crash involving tractor-trailer
- Fatality: 66-year-old Laverne Spates of Florence
- Investigation: South Carolina Highway Patrol
What We Know So Far
- The crash involved a car and a tractor-trailer.
- The car’s driver was transported to the hospital and later died.
- The incident occurred along E Palmetto St near Firetower Rd.
What’s Not Yet Confirmed
- The cause of the collision.
- Whether any additional injuries were reported.
- Any contributing roadway or environmental factors.
Local Context
Major routes near E Palmetto St and Firetower Rd can back up quickly after a collision, particularly when large commercial vehicles are involved. Fatal crashes in Florence often require extended scene management as investigators document evidence and ensure the roadway is safe before reopening fully to traffic.
What to Do Next
- Move to a safe location if possible and check for injuries.
- Follow instructions from emergency personnel at the scene.
- Save dashcam or phone recordings.
- Monitor symptoms later and seek medical care if needed.
FAQ
Q: How are accident reports usually obtained?
A: Accident reports are typically available through the responding law enforcement agency. Requests can often be submitted online or in person once the report is completed.
Q: Why are freeway crashes especially dangerous?
A: Collisions involving large vehicles or high speeds can result in severe damage and serious injuries, especially on major roadways with steady traffic flow.
Q: What does it mean when an accident is under investigation?
A: When a crash is under investigation, authorities are reviewing evidence, speaking with witnesses, and reconstructing the events to determine how and why it occurred.
Source
Read the original coverage here: original report.
