Laurens County Tragic Crash: Coroner Identifies Victim
A tragic collision, followed by a vehicle blaze, on I-26 exit near Clinton and the intersection with I-385 left one man dead and another injured. The Laurens County Coroner’s Office has identified the deceased as Mark Anthony Bigby, a 64-year-old resident of Anderson.
The Aftermath of the Tragic Incident
During the late afternoon hours of Wednesday, on the westward side of I-26, near the mile-marker 55, an accident unfolded that caught the attention of the entire Laurens County. This incident involved a Kenworth tractor-trailer that, after leaving the right side of the interstate, collided with a Ford pickup truck and a pedestrian walking near the roadway. Post the crash, the tractor plunged down an embankment, eventually bursting into flames. Bigby, the driver of the tractor-trailer, succumbed to thermal burns, as reported by the Laurens County Coroner’s Office.
Devastated by the incident, County spokesman stated, “Our deepest thoughts are with the victim’s friends and family during this difficult time.” More information about the incident is still being uncovered and the Highway Patrol continues to probe the tragic incident.
Accident’s Impact on Traffic and Nearby Vicinity
The horrific accident and ensuing inferno involved in the aftermath of the collision had a significant impact on the traffic flow along I-26 and adjacent areas. The road had to be closed for a considerable time to allow the emergency services to conduct a comprehensive on-site inspection, treating the injured pedestrian, and clearing of the wreckage. Thus, it resulted in a traffic gridlock around the area with the incident causing a temporary diversion of westbound traffic onto alternative routes.
An Afterthought
The circumstances of this accident were unusual, and the immediate catching fire of the vehicle is something that is under investigation. According to reports from the South Carolina Highway Patrol, Bigby was the only person inside the Kenworth tractor-trailer. The injured pedestrian was taken to a nearby hospital.
This incident has sparked a conversation regarding road safety measures and the importance of monitoring vehicle conditions. Accidents like these underline the necessity of ensuring proper regular vehicle check-ups, abiding by speed regulations, and emphasizing pedestrian safety.
Summary
A fiery crash on I-26 in Laurens County claimed the life of Mr. Mark Anthony Bigby and injured a pedestrian. The collision involved a tractor-trailer and a Ford pickup truck, followed by a deadly vehicle fire. The accident is still under investigation by the South Carolina Highway Patrol. The county has expressed deep condolences for the loss and stressed the importance of road safety and vehicle maintenance in order to prevent such unfortunate incidents in the future.
Author: STAFF HERE LEXINGTON WRITER
The LEXINGTON STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERELexington.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Lexington, Fayette County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Woodland Art Fair, Crave Food and Music Festival, and Railbird Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like Commerce Lexington and Blue Grass Community Foundation, plus leading businesses in education, manufacturing, and technology that power the local economy such as University of Kentucky, Toyota Motor Manufacturing, and Lexmark. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREBowlingGreen.com and HERELouisville.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Kentucky's dynamic landscape.
