As thunderstorms blew into the area around 9:15 p.m., the Chappells Fire Department and Rescue Squad were called due to a tree blocking part of the road on Highway 34 near the Highway 39 intersection.
As the crews were on their way to cut the tree out of the road, a five-vehicle collision occurred.
The collision involved a tractor-trailer, a motorcycle and three other vehicles, said Coroner Craig Newton.
The motorcycle was pinned under the 18-wheeler and the big rig caught on fire. The fire then spread to the motorcycle, Newton said.
The driver of the motorcycle was killed in the wreck, and a female passenger on the motorcycle was critically injured.
Newton said he is withholding the identity of the motorcycle driver until he is positively identified. An autopsy is being done this morning.
The coroner added that the female passenger is in “very critical” condition at Self Memorial Hospital in Greenwood. At press time, Newton said he spoke to nurses at the hospital who told him the woman was still “hanging on.”
S.C. Highway Patrol Spokesman Scot Edgeworth said the details of the wreck are under investigation, and the Multi-disciplinary Accident Investigation Team (M.A.I.T.) was called to investigate.
In addition to the Chappells emergency crews responding to the wreck, help from the Silverstreet and Greenwood fire departments and the Newberry County Rescue Squad and Hazardous Materials Team was provided.
The Haz-Mat Team was called due to a fuel spill from the truck.
Updates in this story will be posted as they become available at HYPERLINK http://www.newberryobserver.com www.newberryobserver.com.
will pray for Renee and be there for what ever she needs, just as you both were here for us. God bless you for all that you have done. We love you so much and we will miss you more than words could ever say!!! Tammy and Csaba Szabo