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CHARLESTON, Charleston County, S.C., Oct. 23, 2026 — A man died Thursday night, October 22, after a vehicle struck him and trapped him underneath it on Savannah Highway in the West Ashley area, according to the Charleston Police Department. The crash shut down southbound lanes of the highway for more than two hours.
The pedestrian was crossing Savannah Highway near 2250 Savannah Highway, close to the Ashley Town Center, when a vehicle heading away from downtown Charleston toward Ravenel hit him, Charleston police spokesperson Daniel Wilson said. The crash happened at about 8:30 p.m.
The St. Andrews Firefighters Association, Local 3697, said in a social media post that its crews responded and found the man pinned beneath the vehicle. Firefighters used extrication equipment to lift the vehicle and free him, the department said. He died a short time later, according to the post. His name has not been released.
Southbound lanes of Savannah Highway near Ashley Town Center stayed closed until about 11 p.m. while crews worked the scene, Wilson said. The area sits near the AutoNation USA dealership and a Waffle House in West Ashley.
The circumstances of the crash remain under investigation. Authorities have not said whether charges are expected.
We extend our sincere condolences to the family of the deceased.
More on Crashes in Charleston, SC
This pedestrian crash happened on Savannah Highway in Charleston, South Carolina. We cover crashes across Charleston County as they're reported, and you can browse the latest in our Charleston County accident reports.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does a vehicle's speed change a pedestrian's odds of surviving a crash?
Yes. The faster a vehicle is moving at the moment of impact, the less likely a struck pedestrian is to survive, and the more severe the injuries tend to be even in cases that aren't fatal.
Where do most pedestrian crashes happen?
Many occur on multi-lane roads like highways and arterial streets, often away from marked crosswalks or at intersections with limited lighting or visibility.
Are pedestrians hit more often after dark?
A large share of fatal pedestrian crashes happen at night, when drivers have less time to see and react to someone crossing the road.
What to Do After a Pedestrian Crash in Charleston, SC
If you're involved in or witness a pedestrian crash, you should call 911 right away so paramedics and police can respond quickly. If you're the one who was struck, try to stay still and let responders check you over, even if you feel capable of walking away. Adrenaline can mask pain from fractures or internal injuries that only show up hours later.
Get a full medical evaluation as soon as possible and keep records of any treatment, since documentation can matter later. If you witnessed the crash, stay nearby if it's safe to do so and be ready to tell officers what you saw. Charleston police and fire crews will typically need to close lanes to investigate and clear the scene safely, so expect delays if you're driving through West Ashley near Savannah Highway in the hours after an incident like this.
