COLLETON COUNTY, S.C. (WCIV) — One person was killed and another was injured in an early morning crash on Interstate 95 in Colleton County on Wednesday.
The crash happened at 12:15 a.m. in the northbound lanes near mile marker 43, according to the S.C. Highway Patrol.
Officials say the driver of the truck ran off the left side of the interstate and hit several trees.
The driver died at the scene, according to troopers. The driver's name has not yet been released.
A passenger was found outside the truck and was said to be suffering from 'critical' injuries, according to Colleton County Fire and Rescue.
A medical helicopter was placed on standby while crews began treating both patients.
Officials say the passenger was initially flown to Colleton Medical Center before being transferred by helicopter in critical condition to Trident Medical Center in North Charleston.
First responders say the cab of the Freightliner truck was crushed. The driver was trapped and eventually went into cardiac arrest. Officials say it was impossible to do chest compressions because of the position of the victim in the damaged truck. It took more than two hours to free the man from the crushed cab, Colleton County officials say.
It's unclear what caused the crash.
The South Carolina Highway Patrol is investigating.