Crossover Tractor-Trailer Kills Father And 2 Daughters In Head-On Collision
Orangeburg, South Carolina – Officials have released the identities of three people killed this week after a tractor-trailer crossed over the median and struck their passenger van head-on along Interstate 26.
The Orangeburg County Coroner’s Office identified Todd, NC natives Thomas Rusgrove, 37, and daughters Esther, 14, and Jennie Ruth, 11, as the deceased in an horrific head-on collision with a tractor-trailer on Monday, June 24.
The crash occurred at approximately 1:15 p.m. at the 154 mile marker along westbound I-26, according to the South Carolina Highway Patrol (SCHP).
Investigators said a Freightliner tractor-trailer traveling eastbound crossed through the median and hit the Rusgrove’s Toyota van head-on in the westbound lanes.
If your east bound on 26, you will see a backup of traffic stretching from the 154mm back past the 147mm as onlookers slow and almost stop to take pictures. KEEP MOVING! pic.twitter.com/f4DlJebzBq
— Trooper David SCHP (@SCHP_Troop1) June 24, 2019
Rusgrove’s wife, Leslie, and son, Ethan, 16, survived the crash and are in stable condition.
The driver of the big rig, Kevin Thomas of Mt. Airy, SC, was injured and was taken by EMS to an area hospital, according to officials.
The Rusgrove family were on their way home from Florida after attending a funeral.
A GoFundMe campaign has been launched to help the survivors.
As of this publishing, the campaign has brought in more than $38,400 of its $50,000 goal.
Investigators have not yet revealed what caused Thomas, the big rig driver, to cross over the median.
Transportation Nation Network will continue to monitor any new developments.
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