PINEBLUFF — A Richmond County Sheriff’s deputy was involved in a two-vehicle crash in Pinebluff early Monday morning that resulted in one death. The collision occurred around 7:30 a.m. on U.S. Highway 1 near W. Chicago Avenue.
The Journal spoke with Pinebluff Deputy Police Chief Thomas, who said the deputy was traveling south toward Richmond County on his way to work when a pickup truck turned into his path. The impact flipped the patrol car onto its side.
“The driver of the white truck failed to yield right of way and pulled out in front of him and caused the collision,” said Thomas.
Both drivers were trapped in their vehicles following the crash. The deputy managed to crawl out through a hole in the windshield, while first responders used hydraulic tools to reach the driver of the pickup truck. Both were taken by ambulance to FirstHealth Moore Regional Hospital in Pinehurst. Pinebluff police said the 61-year-old pickup driver from the Eagle Springs area later died at the hospital.
Richmond County Sheriff Mark Gulledge addressed the incident in a statement posted on the sheriff’s office’s social media accounts.
“Earlier today we had a deputy involved in a motor vehicle accident on US Hwy # 1 in Pinebluff. The Deputy and the driver of the other vehicle were both taken to FirstHealth Moore Hospital for treatment,” Gulledge said.
Gulledge added, “The incident is being investigated by the Pinbluff PD. Please keep all involved in your prayers.”