Monday, Apr. 13, 2009

One dead, 6 injured in crash on U.S. 521

A Kershaw man who was riding in the back of a pickup truck died after being ejected from the truck in a one-vehicle crash on U.S. 521 in Lancaster County this morning, the state Highway Patrol reports.

The crash happened around 12:30 a.m. Monday when a pickup truck ran off U.S. 521 between Heath Springs and Kershaw, said Lance Cpl. Jeff Gaskin of the patrol.

Deloris Bennett, 53, of Kershaw was driving south on U.S. 521 when she fell asleep at the wheel, Gaskin said.

The dual-cab pickup truck drove off the right side of the road and Bennett over-corrected to get the truck back on the road, Gaskin said. Then truck went off the right side of the road again, overturned and went down an embankment.

A passenger in the back of the truck died after being ejected, Gaskin said. His name is not available at this time.

The driver, four passengers in the cab — including 1-and 2-year old children -- and another passenger riding in the back of the truck were injured.

The other passenger in the back of the truck, Tony Bennett, 31, of Kershaw was taken by helicopter to a hospital, Gaskin said. A man who rode in the cab was also taken by helicopter. His name, and the names of the others injured, is not available at this time.

The driver, a passenger in the cab and the children were taken to the hospital in Camden. The children were in child seats, Gaskin said.

No charges have been filed at this time, Gaskin said, and the crash remains under investigation.

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