MEGGETT, SC. (THECOUNT) — Robert Sherard, 32, was killed early Wednesday after his vehicle exited the roadway, struck a tree, and became engulfed in flames in a single-vehicle crash in the rural Meggett area of Charleston County, South Carolina, authorities confirmed.
The Charleston County Coroner’s Office identified Sherard as the driver who died at the scene. Coroner Bobbi Jo O’Neal said Sherard succumbed to injuries sustained in the collision, which was classified as a single motor vehicle crash.
|
Advertisement |
According to the Charleston County Sheriff’s Office, deputies were dispatched around 3:30 a.m. to the intersection of Toogoodoo Road and Swinton Creek Road following reports that a vehicle had left the roadway and collided with a tree. Callers further reported that the vehicle became fully engulfed in flames after impact.
When deputies and emergency crews arrived, they located the vehicle off the roadway with significant fire damage. Authorities confirmed that Sherard was the sole occupant of the vehicle at the time of the crash.
Charleston County Emergency Medical Services pronounced Sherard dead at the scene. No additional injuries were reported, and no other vehicles were involved.
Investigators have not released information regarding what caused the vehicle to leave the roadway. Officials have not indicated whether speed, impairment, mechanical failure, or roadway conditions were factors, emphasizing that the crash remains under active investigation.
The Charleston County Sheriff’s Office Traffic Services Unit is leading the investigation. The unit specializes in analyzing serious and fatal crashes across Charleston County, including incidents occurring in rural and coastal areas such as Meggett, Hollywood, Ravenel, and other communities in the county’s southwestern region.
The crash site, located near the junction of Toogoodoo Road and Swinton Creek Road, is part of a network of secondary roads that connect Meggett to surrounding Lowcountry communities. The area is characterized by wooded terrain and limited lighting, particularly during overnight and early morning hours.
Charleston County, one of South Carolina’s most populous counties, has seen a continued focus on traffic safety initiatives in recent years, particularly in rural areas where emergency response times and roadway conditions can present challenges.
Authorities have not said whether road closures were implemented during the response or investigation, nor have they released details regarding the vehicle involved beyond confirming it was a single-occupant crash.
As the investigation continues, the Charleston County Sheriff’s Office is asking for the public’s assistance. Anyone who may have witnessed the crash, observed a vehicle in the area prior to the collision, or has information that could aid investigators is urged to come forward.
Anyone with information related to the crash is asked to contact the Charleston County Sheriff’s Office Traffic Services Unit at 843-202-1700.
DEVELOPING::