News Summary
This past week, Charleston, South Carolina, faced a series of tragic traffic accidents that led to multiple fatalities and injuries. From a morning crash on Savannah Highway involving an 18-wheeler to the heartbreaking loss of a 5-year-old girl due to impaired driving, the community is mourning the loss of lives and reflecting on road safety. Authorities are investigating these incidents deeply, reminding residents of the fragility of life and the importance of responsible driving.
Charleston, South Carolina – A Tragic Week on the Roads
This week has been a sobering reminder of the dangers lurking on the roads of South Carolina. In several unfortunate incidents throughout the Charleston area, lives have been lost and others have been deeply affected by a series of traffic accidents. Let’s break down some of these events that have gripped the community and left many shaken.
A Morning Crash on Savannah Highway
It all began on Thursday morning when the Charleston Police Department responded to a two-vehicle crash on Savannah Highway, reported at around 8:07 a.m. near Savage Road. This incident involved an 18-wheeler and a pick-up truck, setting off a flurry of activity among first responders.
The collision was confirmed to be serious, with Sergeant Chris Stinson clarifying it was indeed a two-vehicle incident involving a semi-truck. While one person was taken to the hospital with non-life-threatening injuries, initial reports indicated that the full extent of injuries was not immediately apparent. Thankfully, all lanes were cleared by approximately 9:30 a.m., but understandably, delays were expected as drivers navigated the aftermath.
Tragic Events on I-526
William Bennett, a 56-year-old from Summerville, sadly fell from his truck and was then struck by a vehicle that fled the scene. Fortunately, police officers quickly located the vehicle, which was determined to be a 2018 Freightliner Truck. They reported that it did not contribute to the accident. Unfortunately, Bennett was pronounced dead at the scene, leaving a community in mourning.
Child Fatality and Impaired Driving Charges
Tragedy struck again on March 22 when a 5-year-old girl, Leah Charlotte Flores Izaguirre, lost her life following a horrifying collision on Charleston Highway in West Columbia involving an impaired driver. The terrifying incident occurred when a Dodge Charger rear-ended the Ford SUV that Leah was in.
Despite being rushed to the hospital, Leah succumbed to her injuries, bringing distress to her family and friends. Two other passengers in the Ford were injured but are expected to recover. The driver of the Charger, Maurice Orlando Matthews, 43, has since been arrested and charged with driving under suspension and felony DUI resulting in death. His prior issues with DUI offenses led to his license being suspended, and he was denied bond as of March 25. To help with funeral expenses, Leah’s mother set up a GoFundMe page that has already raised over $3,300 by March 25.
Remembering the Lost
The community also mourned the loss of Maurice Alston, a 25-year-old who tragically died from injuries sustained in a crash on February 26, 2025, on Fort Johnson Road. Confirmation of his death came on March 20, 2025.
Additionally, Emory Bianchi, a 19-year-old, suffered fatal injuries in a motorcycle accident that occurred last Wednesday. The accident happened when she attempted to pass traffic on the interstate, hit a curb, and subsequently fell into the roadway. The South Carolina Highway Patrol is presently investigating both this accident and the others mentioned.
As these incidents unfold, we are reminded of the fragility of life and the importance of safety on the road. The community’s collective heart aches for those affected, and our thoughts are with the families and friends mourning their loved ones. Stay safe out there, Charleston, and let’s all remember to drive responsibly.
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Additional Resources
- Live 5 News: No Charges in Fatal Crash
- Wikipedia: Traffic Collision
- WBTV: 5-Year-Old Killed in Crash
- Google Search: South Carolina traffic accidents
- ABC News 4: Coroner Identifies Victim
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Road Safety
- Count on 2: No Charges in Truck Driver’s Death
- Google News: Traffic Accidents Charleston
- Live 5 News: Motorcyclist Killed on I-26
