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February 20, 2025 — A chaotic afternoon unfolded in Darlington County on Tuesday when Florence County Fire Rescue crews were dispatched to two separate emergencies within minutes of each other. A house fire on East McIver Road and a multi-vehicle crash at the nearby intersection of McIver and Wellman Road required simultaneous response, stretching local resources.
The first call came in around 4:20 p.m. for a structure fire at a residence on East McIver Road. Engine 241 and Tanker 246 from Florence County Fire Rescue were en route when they encountered a three-car collision just a quarter-mile away. Fire officials confirmed that Tanker 246 continued to the house fire while Engine 241 immediately shifted focus to the crash scene.
At the crash site, crews discovered one individual trapped inside a vehicle with serious injuries. Three additional people were found outside the cars, including a child who had been riding in a car seat. Firefighters quickly assessed the situation and began extrication efforts.
According to Florence County Fire Rescue, the child was secured in a car seat at the time of the crash, but the seat was not properly fastened to the vehicle. This critical safety lapse raised concerns among responders. "A correctly installed car seat can be the difference between minor bumps and life-altering injuries," said a fire department spokesperson. National data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration shows that nearly 46% of car seats are installed incorrectly, contributing to preventable harm in accidents.
While tending to the victims, crew members were approached by an agitated individual. The Darlington County Sheriff’s Office and South Carolina Highway Patrol responded to address the situation and are now investigating the crash. No further details about the person or potential charges have been released.
The child was later taken from the scene in a private vehicle, while the remaining patients were transported to nearby hospitals. The extent of injuries has not been disclosed, but authorities confirmed all victims were receiving medical care.
Efforts at the house fire continued into the evening. Firefighters from multiple agencies assisted in containing the blaze, which reportedly caused significant damage to the structure. No injuries were reported from the fire, but the cause remains under investigation.
Both incidents are still active, and local traffic on East McIver Road and Wellman Road is expected to experience delays. Motorists are advised to seek alternate routes.
This twin emergency underscores the importance of coordinated response and basic safety precautions. Florence County Fire Rescue reminds all drivers to double-check car seat installation and remain vigilant on the road.
For updates on the crash investigation and fire cause, check with local authorities. WMBF will continue to monitor the situation.
This article was originally reported by WMBF and has been updated with additional safety context. All rights reserved.
