FLORENCE, Florence County, S.C., Oct. 5, 2026 — A crash on U.S. Highway 76 East near North Kim Road left one person ejected and another trapped inside a vehicle Sunday afternoon, October 4, according to Florence County Fire Rescue. The collision prompted a large emergency response and shut down lanes in both directions for hours.
Florence County Fire Rescue said two engine companies were dispatched at about 3:15 p.m. to the scene of a reported motor vehicle collision. While crews were en route, they were told one occupant had been thrown from a vehicle and a second was trapped inside, the agency said.
Florence County EMS arrived and began treating the patient found in the roadway, fire rescue reported. Firefighters then worked to free the second occupant, who remained trapped inside one of the vehicles, according to the agency. Once that patient was extricated, EMS crews took them to an area hospital, officials said. The extent of either person's injuries has not been released.
The crash blocked the eastbound lanes of U.S. 76 and closed one westbound lane, fire rescue said. Drivers were urged to seek an alternate route because of expected delays. Crews stayed on scene to direct traffic while the roadway was cleared and the crash was investigated.
No cause has been released, and the agency has not said how many vehicles were involved. Officials said more details would be shared as they become available.
Our thoughts are with those who were injured, and we wish them a full recovery.
What the Numbers Say About Crashes
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, an estimated 6,138,359 police-reported traffic crashes occurred in 2023. That figure covers everything from minor fender-benders to crashes involving ejections and extrications, the kind that call for extended lane closures and multiple emergency units on scene, as happened on US 76.
Crashes serious enough to trap or eject an occupant represent a small fraction of that national total, but they account for a large share of the time, equipment, and coordination local fire and EMS crews spend on any given call. A single incident can require extrication tools, multiple ambulances, and traffic control that stretches for hours.
Highway crashes with ejections often involve higher speeds or a lack of occupant restraint, though neither factor is confirmed in any individual case until investigators finish their review. The broader data simply shows how often these more severe outcomes occur within the millions of crashes reported each year.
Frequently Asked Questions
What typically causes crashes like this one?
Common factors include speeding, distracted driving, impaired driving, and road or weather conditions. The specific cause of any crash is determined only after investigators review the scene, witness accounts, and vehicle data.
How does speed affect how serious a crash is?
Higher speeds increase the distance needed to stop and the force involved in a collision, which raises the likelihood of ejection, entrapment, or serious injury.
Why is distracted driving considered so risky?
Taking attention off the road for even a few seconds reduces a driver's ability to react to sudden hazards, which can turn an avoidable situation into a crash.
Do weather and road conditions play a role in crashes?
Rain, debris, uneven pavement, and poor visibility can all reduce traction and reaction time, contributing to crashes even when a driver is attentive.
What to Do After a Car Accident in Florence, SC
If you're involved in a crash, move to a safe area if possible and call 911 right away. Try to stay as still as you can until EMS checks you over, even if you feel fine. Adrenaline can mask injuries, especially after a hard impact.
Remember to get a copy of the official report once it's available, and keep records of any medical visits connected to the crash. If other vehicles or witnesses were at the scene, note their information if you're able. Florence County's emergency crews and law enforcement handle these scenes often, so cooperate with their instructions and give them room to work.
