Conway, SC (August 17, 2026) – Two Coastal Carolina University students were injured early on Sunday morning, August 16, in a hit-and-run on Highway 544 near Elvington Loop. The crash was reported at approximately 12:16 a.m.
Police said a 17-year-old driver is accused of striking the two students and leaving the area. Both were taken to the hospital, and critical injuries were reported, though it was not clear whether one or both students were critically hurt.
The driver was later taken into custody after a separate crash outside the city. He was charged with felony driving under the influence and two counts of hit-and-run with great bodily injury. Highway 544 was later reopened. The crash remains under investigation.
We hope both injured students receive care and recover fully.
Why Can Pedestrian Hit-and-Run Crashes Cause Severe Injuries?
Pedestrians have no protective structure around them when struck by a moving vehicle. The head, chest, abdomen, pelvis, and limbs can all be exposed to strong force.
A person may also be thrown onto the pavement after the initial impact, creating a second source of trauma. This can increase the risk of fractures, brain injuries, internal bleeding, or spinal damage.
Travel speed, contact angle, lighting, and where the body is struck can all influence injury severity. Immediate medical evaluation is especially important because some serious injuries may not be obvious at first.
