Tragic Collision in Charleston County Leaves One Dead and Several Injured

Tragic Collision in Charleston County Leaves One Dead and Several Injured

CHARLESTON COUNTY, S.C. – In the early hours of Wednesday morning, a tragic accident unfolded on Savannah Highway, resulting in one fatality and several serious injuries. The Charleston County Sheriff’s Office is currently investigating the incident, which involved two construction vehicles.

The Incident Details

At approximately 3 a.m., deputies were called to the scene near the intersection of Savannah Highway and Briarcliff Drive. Eyewitnesses reported a collision between the two construction vehicles, leading to a chaotic situation that left bystanders in shock.

According to the authorities, Kendall Hawkins, a 45-year-old from Awendaw, was operating one of the vehicles. He was driving north on Savannah Highway while pulling a trailer loaded with three passengers who were busy collecting traffic cones at the time. In a sudden and illegal maneuver, Hawkins made a U-turn, aiming to head south on the highway. Unfortunately, this decision proved catastrophic as he turned directly in front of another vehicle driven by Rockarius King, 33, from Ladson.

The Aftermath of the Collision

The collision was severe. As the two construction vehicles crashed, the three passengers in Hawkins’s trailer were ejected onto the road. The impact led to a scene of considerable chaos and concern. Emergency services rushed to the scene, transporting all individuals involved—including Hawkins, King, and the passengers—to a local hospital for treatment.

Tragically, one of the passengers later succumbed to their injuries, marking a somber conclusion to a harrowing event. While the Charleston County Sheriff’s Office is still working to identify the deceased, they have confirmed that investigations are ongoing.

Charges Filed

In the wake of the accident, both drivers face significant legal repercussions. Kendall Hawkins has been charged with two counts of Felony Driving Under the Influence, reflecting the serious nature of his actions. Meanwhile, Rockarius King has been charged with Driving Under the Influence in the First Degree and also faces a charge for having an Open Container in a Motor Vehicle.

Community Impact and Next Steps

This tragic incident has undoubtedly shaken the Charleston community. Serious accidents like this raise awareness about road safety and the importance of adhering to traffic regulations. The Sheriff’s Office Traffic Unit has encouraged anyone who may possess helpful information regarding the event to come forward and contact them directly at 843-202-1700.

It’s always a stark reminder of how quickly life can change, especially on roads where heavy machinery is involved. Many residents are now left questioning how such an unfortunate accident could happen and what steps can be taken to prevent similar incidents in the future.

Conclusion

As the community rallies to support those affected, it becomes clear that while the road ahead may be challenging for many, the resilience of Charleston remains strong. Keep your thoughts with the families involved as they navigate this painful chapter. Safety is everyone’s responsibility, and we can all do our part to ensure our roads are safe for everyone.