Calhoun Falls, SC (September 11, 2026) – A woman died after a two-vehicle crash at the intersection of SC 72 and Anderson Street on Thursday, September 10, according to authorities. The Abbeville County Coroner's Office identified her as 71-year-old Katina Wood.
According to the South Carolina Highway Patrol, a Buick Encore with two people inside pulled away from the intersection around 11:42 a.m. and was hit by a Dodge 2500 pickup traveling west on SC 72. Wood was reportedly riding as a passenger in the Buick.
Wood was pronounced dead as a result of the crash, the coroner's office said. The condition of the other occupant of the Buick and the driver of the pickup has not been released.
The Highway Patrol is continuing to investigate the crash. Authorities have not said whether charges are expected or what factors may have contributed to the collision.
Our sympathies are with the family of the person who lost their life.
Who Faces the Greatest Risk When Vehicles Collide at an Intersection
Passengers and older adults often come out worse in intersection crashes, even when they are not the ones driving. A passenger has no control over the vehicle's speed or path in the moments before impact, and where they sit relative to the point of collision can matter more than anything they do.
Age adds another layer. Older occupants tend to have more brittle bones and less physical reserve to recover from chest and abdominal injuries that younger passengers might walk away from. Reaction time also plays a role for drivers pulling out from side streets or stop signs, a maneuver that requires judging the speed of oncoming traffic in a narrow window.
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, 2,979 passenger-car occupants were killed in two-vehicle crashes involving a passenger car and a light truck in 2023. That gap reflects the size and weight difference between passenger cars and pickups or SUVs, which tends to leave occupants of the smaller vehicle more exposed in a collision.
Frequently Asked Questions
What factors make a crash more likely to be fatal?
Speed differences, the size and weight gap between the vehicles involved, and where the impact occurs on each vehicle all affect survivability. A pickup or SUV colliding with a smaller passenger car tends to result in more severe injuries for occupants of the smaller vehicle.
How does speed affect crash survivability?
Even modest increases in speed raise the force involved in a collision. Crashes at higher speeds leave less time for either driver to brake or steer away, and they increase the energy that has to be absorbed by both vehicles.
Why does seat belt use matter so much?
Seat belts keep occupants positioned in their seats and reduce the chance of being thrown into the dashboard, windshield, or another occupant. They remain one of the most consistent factors separating survivable crashes from fatal ones.
What should families do after a fatal crash?
Families can request a copy of the official crash report from the investigating agency once it's finalized, and can contact the coroner's office directly with questions about the cause of death or timeline.
What to Do After a Fatal Crash in Calhoun Falls, South Carolina
If you're involved in or witness a serious crash, call 911 right away and stay clear of moving traffic while waiting for help. Even if you feel fine, it's worth getting checked by a medical professional, since injuries like internal bleeding or concussions aren't always obvious right after a collision.
Cooperate with responding troopers and give an accurate account of what you saw or experienced. If you're a passenger or bystander, write down what you remember as soon as you can, since details fade quickly. Residents of Calhoun Falls with information about a specific crash should contact the South Carolina Highway Patrol directly.
