GAFFNEY, SC – Three people died in an eight-vehicle crash on I-85 on Thursday, July 16, according to the Cherokee County Coroner’s Office.
FOX Carolina reported that an 18-wheeler rear-ended a chain of seven cars that were stopped in a single southbound lane near exit 90. Two people died at the scene: Thomas Newman McElroy, 58, and his wife, 60-year-old Ruth Ann McElroy. Karen Marie Goggin, 60, died from her injuries shortly after arriving at the hospital.
Six other people were taken to area hospitals with non-life-threatening injuries.
The Cherokee County Coroner said the construction project on the highway is to blame. While construction crews work to widen I-85, a “chute” reroutes traffic around the construction in one single lane. Coroner Dennis Fowler calls it a “death trap.”
SCDOT, SCHP, the MAIT Team and law enforcement are investigating the crash.
Evans Moore, LLC provides these blog posts as a way of helping our neighbors and prospective clients stay informed about accidents in South Carolina. They are not offered as legal advice. However, if you or someone you love has been hurt because of someone else’s carelessness, our team of South Carolina car accident lawyers can help you get the compensation you deserve. Contact us today for a free consultation, online or by calling (843) 995-5000.