A tragic accident early Thursday morning on Interstate 26 led to the deaths of a mother and her young child. The collision occurred around 2:45 a.m. near Columbia Avenue and Peak Street in Chapin, involving multiple vehicles and causing significant disruptions to traffic in the area.
The South Carolina Highway Patrol has identified the victims as 47-year-old LaRhonda Davis Gibson and her 23-month-old son, Ketron Menteze Gibson Jr., both from Newberry, South Carolina. The Lexington County Coroner’s Office confirmed that both were pronounced dead at the scene, marking a devastating end to what should have been a routine drive.
The accident began when LaRhonda Gibson’s sedan slowed down due to oncoming traffic. A tractor-trailer ahead of her vehicle also decelerated, as is common in such heavily trafficked areas. However, tragedy struck when a pick-up truck traveling behind Gibson’s car failed to stop in time, crashing into the rear of her sedan. The impact forced Gibson’s vehicle into the back of the tractor-trailer, resulting in severe damage.
Emergency responders arrived promptly at the scene, but the force of the collision left little chance for survival for the mother and child. The coroner’s office reported that both sustained fatal injuries as a result of the crash.
The occupants of the pick-up truck were injured and taken to a nearby hospital for treatment. Their identities have not been released, and their current condition remains unknown. The South Carolina Highway Patrol has not yet announced any charges related to the incident.
The accident caused significant delays on Interstate 26, with traffic backed up near Bush River Road and Leaphart Road. Commuters were advised to find alternate routes as authorities worked to clear the scene and investigate the crash. The interstate was reopened later in the morning, but the effects of the closure were felt across the region.
As the investigation continues, both the South Carolina Highway Patrol and the Lexington County Coroner’s Office are focused on determining the events leading up to the crash. They are likely to consider factors such as vehicle speed, potential distractions, driver impairment, and the mechanical state of the vehicles involved. These findings will be crucial in deciding if any legal actions are warranted.
This incident serves as a stark reminder of the dangers that can arise on the road, particularly during early morning hours when visibility is reduced and driver fatigue can be a factor. Interstate 26 is a key route in South Carolina, and while it is generally well-maintained, the heavy traffic and presence of large vehicles like tractor-trailers heighten the risk of serious accidents.
In response to this tragedy, safety advocates may push for heightened awareness on the road, especially in high-traffic areas and during off-peak hours. The loss of LaRhonda Davis Gibson and her son Ketron is a painful reminder of the need for constant vigilance while driving.
The South Carolina Highway Patrol has asked anyone with information about the crash to come forward as investigations proceed. The Lexington County community mourns the loss of two lives cut short far too soon, and the case is being closely followed as it develops.
