In a heartbreaking incident early Thursday morning, a collision on Interstate 26 in Lexington County claimed the lives of a mother and her young child. The crash, which occurred at approximately 2:45 a.m. near Columbia Avenue and Peak Street in Chapin, involved multiple vehicles and led to significant traffic disruptions in the area.
According to the South Carolina Highway Patrol, the victims were identified as 47-year-old LaRhonda Davis Gibson and her 23-month-old son, Ketron Menteze Gibson Jr., both residents of Newberry, South Carolina. The Lexington County Coroner’s Office confirmed that both were pronounced dead at the scene, marking a tragic end to what should have been a routine journey.
The chain-reaction crash unfolded when the sedan driven by LaRhonda Gibson slowed down due to oncoming traffic. A tractor-trailer in front of Gibson’s vehicle also reduced its speed, which is typical in such high-traffic areas. However, the situation quickly turned disastrous when a pick-up truck traveling behind Gibson’s car failed to stop in time and crashed into the rear of the sedan. The impact from the pick-up truck caused Gibson’s car to slam into the back of the tractor-trailer, compounding the severity of the collision.
Emergency responders were dispatched to the scene immediately after the accident. Despite their swift response, the severity of the crash left little hope for the mother and child. The coroner’s office reported that both victims suffered fatal injuries due to the force of the collisions.
The occupants of the pick-up truck, whose identities have not been disclosed, were injured and transported to a nearby hospital for treatment. Details about their condition have not been made public, and the South Carolina Highway Patrol has yet to announce any charges related to the incident.
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The crash resulted in significant traffic delays on Interstate 26, with congestion reported near Bush River Road and Leaphart Road. Commuters were advised to seek alternate routes as authorities worked to clear the scene and investigate the circumstances leading to the tragedy. The interstate was reopened later in the morning, but the ripple effects of the closure were felt throughout the region.
As investigations continue, both the South Carolina Highway Patrol and the Lexington County Coroner’s Office are working to piece together the events leading up to the crash. Investigators are likely to examine factors such as the speed of the vehicles involved, whether any driver was distracted or impaired, and the mechanical conditions of the vehicles. These details will be crucial in determining if any legal actions will follow.
This tragic event highlights the dangers present on the roads, particularly during early morning hours when visibility is lower, and driver fatigue can play a significant role. Interstate 26 is a major thoroughfare in South Carolina, and while it is well-maintained, the high volume of traffic and the presence of large commercial vehicles like tractor-trailers increase the risk of serious accidents.
In light of this incident, safety advocates may renew calls for increased vigilance on the road, particularly in high-traffic areas and during off-peak hours. The loss of LaRhonda Davis Gibson and her son Ketron serves as a somber reminder of the importance of road safety for all travelers.
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The South Carolina Highway Patrol has urged anyone with information about the crash to come forward as investigations continue. The Lexington County community mourns the loss of two lives taken far too soon and will no doubt be watching closely as the case develops.