Darlington County, SC (May 11, 2026) – A woman lost her life following a two-vehicle accident Sunday afternoon, May 10, along East Bobo Newsom Highway near Narrow Bridge Road in Darlington County.
According to available reports, the collision happened at around 2:00 p.m. Officials said a 1996 Ford RV had become disabled while traveling westbound on East Bobo Newsom Highway. A 2016 Ford Explorer traveling in the same direction later struck the RV from behind.
Barbara Anne Purdy, of Hartsville, was reportedly standing in the back area of the RV when the impact occurred. She was pronounced dead at the scene. The driver of the Ford Explorer was hurt in the crash and taken to a nearby hospital for treatment.
Emergency units responded to the area and worked to clear the roadway following the collision. Additional details about the injured driver have not yet been released.
Authorities continue to investigate the cause of the crash, and more details will be released as soon as they become available.
We extend our sincere condolences to the family of the deceased.
What Factors Are Reviewed After a Rear-End Crash Involving a Disabled Vehicle?
Rear-end accidents involving disabled vehicles can raise several questions about roadway visibility and driver reaction time. In many cases, investigators review whether the disabled vehicle was visible to approaching traffic and whether warning lights or hazard signals were active before the collision occurred.
Road conditions and traffic flow may also be examined. A vehicle stopped in a travel lane can create sudden hazards, especially on highways or rural roads where drivers may have limited time to respond. Investigators sometimes look at weather conditions, vehicle positioning, and speed estimates to better understand how the crash happened.
Medical reports and vehicle damage can also provide additional context. These details may help clarify the severity of the impact and the sequence of events leading up to the collision.
