FLORENCE, Florence County, S.C., Oct. 5, 2026 — Two people were hospitalized after a two-car crash Saturday afternoon, October 3, on East Palmetto Street in Florence. The crash happened in front of Florence Regional Airport and involved three people total.
Florence County Fire Rescue said crews responded at about 3:20 p.m. to the crash site on East Palmetto Street. Firefighters arrived to find two vehicles involved and three people needing attention, according to the department.
Fire rescue personnel provided patient care until Florence County EMS reached the scene, the department said. EMS crews took two of the three people to an area hospital for further evaluation. The condition of the third person was not released.
Two westbound lanes of East Palmetto Street were closed while crews worked the scene, according to Florence County Fire Rescue. The South Carolina Highway Patrol is investigating the crash. No further details about what led up to the collision have been released.
We wish the injured a complete and speedy recovery.
What the Numbers Show About Car Crash Injuries
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, an estimated 1,947,298 passenger-vehicle occupants were injured in motor-vehicle traffic crashes in 2023. That figure reflects just how often ordinary trips, like a short drive near an airport or along a city corridor, end with someone needing medical care.
Two-vehicle crashes make up a large share of that total nationwide. Many happen at moderate speeds on roads with multiple lanes, where a turn, a lane change, or a stopped vehicle can lead to impact before either driver has time to react.
Most injuries in these crashes involve the head, neck, and chest, often from sudden stops. That is one reason emergency responders recommend medical evaluation even when someone feels fine immediately after a crash.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where do most car accidents happen?
A large portion of crashes occur on city and county roads, often at intersections or near driveways and commercial entrances where vehicles cross paths frequently.
What are common injuries in car accidents?
Whiplash, concussions, and bruising from seatbelts or airbags are among the most frequent injuries, even in crashes that do not look severe from the outside.
What usually causes two-car crashes?
Distraction, failure to yield, and misjudging another driver's speed or position are common factors, though the specific cause of any crash is determined by investigators.
What to Do After a Car Accident in Florence, SC
If you're involved in a crash in Florence, stay as calm as possible and check yourself and any passengers for injuries before moving. Call 911 so fire, EMS, and the South Carolina Highway Patrol can respond and document the scene.
Even if injuries seem minor, it's worth getting checked by a medical professional soon after, since some injuries don't show symptoms right away. Keep any paperwork from responders and follow up with your own doctor if pain or stiffness develops in the days afterward.
