CONWAY, SC — A pedestrian was critically injured Thursday night in a collision on S.C. Highway 544 near Singleton Ridge Road, authorities said.
The incident occurred shortly before 9:30 p.m., according to Horry County Fire Rescue. The identity of the injured pedestrian has not been released.
Lanes were temporarily blocked as emergency crews responded to the scene. The S.C. Highway Patrol, with assistance from Coastal Carolina University Police, Conway Police Department, and Horry County Police, is investigating the incident.
This marks the third pedestrian involved in a crash on Highway 544 in recent months. On August 16, two Coastal Carolina University students were struck at the intersection of Highway 544 and Elvington Loop, resulting in the death of 21-year-old Kalina Trent. A 17-year-old driver was later charged with felony DUI and hit-and-run involving death.
The October 14 crash occurred less than two miles from the August incident. Additionally, a bicyclist was injured in a crash on Highway 544 near West Cox Ferry Road around 7:45 a.m. on October 15. That incident briefly shut down traffic, with the highway reopening by 9:15 a.m. The identity and condition of that individual remain undisclosed.
Concerns about pedestrian safety on Highway 544 have increased, especially as the area near the university is considered hazardous due to high foot traffic. Coastal Carolina University and state transportation officials recently agreed to implement safety upgrades, including a reduced speed limit and improved signage and lighting, with more comprehensive measures planned for the future.
A proposed $12 million pedestrian overpass remains years away from completion, with preconstruction anticipated to take up to 15 months, followed by 1 to 1.5 years of actual construction.