Tuesday night, crews from the Irmo Fire District responded to a serious vehicle collision on I- 26 westbound at the 101 mile marker – the Broad River road exit by the car dealerships.

An SUV traveling at the interstate speed limit ran into the rear of a semi truck that was stopped on the shoulder. The SUV went part of the way under the rear of the trailer, trapping the driver inside.

Several resources from Irmo and Columbia Fire departments worked for over 45 minutes to stabilize the fully loaded trailer and cut away parts of the vehicle to free the driver, who was awake and alert throughout the ordeal. Despite the devastation the driver only suffered moderate injuries.

Insights from the Irmo Fire District:

• The SUV’s safety features saved the driver. Seatbelts and airbags made a difference last night – without either one we’d be telling a different story this morning.
• Irmo Fire and Columbia Fire Department (SC) both carry specialized equipment for incidents involving heavy vehicles and significant entrapment, and we train together often on how to use it.
• Although wrecks like this are rare, our investments in equipment, training and our working relationships pay huge dividends for the citizens we serve.

The photos were taken by the IFD after the driver was removed and transported by EMS.

SC Highway Patrol is currently investigating the wreck.