Tragic road accident in South Carolina claims lives of three women from Gujarat

In a devastating turn of events, three women from the Indian state of Gujarat were killed in a severe car accident in Greenville County, South Carolina. The incident occurred as their SUV lost control on Interstate 85 at Staunton Bridge Road, leading to a violent crash into nearby trees. The victims, identified as Rekhaben Patel, Manishaben Patel, and Sangitaben Patel, were residents of Georgia but originally hailed from Borsad tehsil in Gujarat’s Anand district.

Circumstances Leading to the Tragic Accident

According to Deputy Coroner Mike Ellis, the SUV was evidently traveling at a high speed, as indicated by the vehicle’s trajectory off the road, its collision with a cement bridge, and the final impact with trees. “It is obvious they were traveling above the posted speed limit,” stated Ellis. The vehicle not only crossed all lanes of the interstate but also soared over an embankment and landed approximately 20 feet above the ground before crashing into the trees. This unusual incident drew immediate response from the South Carolina Highway Patrol, Greenville County EMS units, and Gannt Fire and Rescue.

Ongoing Investigation and Community Impact

The coroner’s office, along with other investigative agencies, is probing the exact speed of the vehicle at the time of the accident. The severity of the crash was such that the vehicle was found in pieces, confirming the extreme conditions under which the accident occurred. Sadly, while the three women succumbed to their injuries, the fourth occupant, who was driving the SUV, survived with injuries and was hospitalized. The incident’s detection system played a crucial role, as it alerted family members who then contacted local authorities. The community and families affected by this tragedy face a painful recovery from this shocking loss.

This tragic incident highlights the critical need for strict adherence to road safety regulations and speed limits, particularly on high-speed routes like interstate highways. It also underscores the importance of vehicle safety features in alerting authorities and families in emergency situations. The ongoing investigation will likely provide further insights into how such tragic outcomes can be mitigated in the future, aiming for enhanced road safety and community awareness.