SPARTANBURG, SC – Three individuals died in a fiery crash involving a Ford Fusion fleeing from deputies on Aug. 15 at 2:08 a.m.
The vehicle, linked to a suspected burglary, crashed into a tree and was engulfed in flames before authorities could respond. Spartanburg County Coroner Rusty Clevenger stated the identities of the victims remain undetermined due to the severity of the fire.
According to Sheriff Bill Rhyne, the incident began when deputies observed the suspicious vehicle on the side of the road on Carlisle Crossing. After activating their vehicle's spotlight, a masked individual exited the weeds, dropped an item, and fled in the car, prompting a pursuit down Old Furnace Road and Fosters Grove Road.
The crash occurred near U.S. Highway 221, where the eastbound Ford Fusion veered off the roadway. Emergency services were alerted immediately, but the vehicle was fully engulfed upon deputies' arrival.
Authorities noted that an alarm had been triggered at a nearby minimart just prior to the chase, indicating a potential burglary. Surveillance footage captured the masked suspect, and officials are urging the community to provide any information regarding the incident.
This crash adds to the troubling traffic fatality statistics in Spartanburg County, which has led the state in fatalities for consecutive years. As of Aug. 9, there have been 43 reported fatalities in the county for 2023, not including the victims from this incident.
Investigation into the circumstances surrounding the crash and the alleged burglary continues, with authorities encouraging anyone with information to come forward.