Train-SUV wreck victims ID'd

By LEE HIGGINS - lhiggins@thestate.com

A man and woman were killed Monday night and two other people were injured after a train and an SUV collided on Hobart Road near Blythewood, authorities said.

Nichole Johnson Hill, 34, and husband Derald Kenneth Hill, 33, of Fallstaff Road died of multiple injuries, according to the Richland County Coronor's Office. Both were passengers and neither was wearing a seatbelt.

The Norfolk Southern Railway train was traveling south and struck a 2003 Ford Expedition around 6:50 p.m., S.C. Highway Patrol spokesman Lance Cpl. Josef Robinson said. The train had four cars attached, he said.

Nichole and Derald Hill died at the scene, Robinson said. One occupant was airlifted to Palmetto Health Richland, and another was taken there by ambulance, Robinson said.

Both were in fair condition late Monday, Richland County EMS spokesman George Rice said.

Two people were on board the train but were not injured, Robinson said.

The S.C. Highway Patrol is investigating, authorities said.

Reach Higgins at (803) 771-8570.

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