Carolyn V. Collins Obituary, Death – The Richland County Coroner’s Office has released the identity of the woman who died in a tragic crash involving a fire truck over the weekend. Coroner Naida Rutherford identified the victim as 64-year-old Carolyn V. Collins, a resident of Columbia, South Carolina. In a statement, Rutherford expressed condolences to the grieving family and confirmed that the Coroner’s Office is working closely with the South Carolina Highway Patrol to thoroughly investigate the circumstances surrounding the fatal collision.
The accident took place on Two Notch Road, close to Decker Boulevard. According to authorities, Collins was driving the vehicle involved in the crash and unfortunately lost her life in the incident. A passenger who was traveling with her at the time sustained injuries, although further details about their condition have not yet been released.
At the time of the collision, the fire truck was responding to an emergency situation involving a house fire on Bradford Ridge Lane. Reports indicate that lightning struck a home on Saturday night, triggering a fast-moving blaze. The fire rapidly spread, and the emergency call was escalated as more homes became involved in the blaze. In total, three homes were reportedly affected by the fire, leading to the displacement of multiple families in the neighborhood.
As fire crews were racing to the scene of the expanding fire emergency, the accident involving their fire truck occurred. The Columbia-Richland Fire Department has chosen not to publicly name the firefighters involved in the crash at this time. However, in a brief statement, the department acknowledged the emotional toll the incident has had on the firefighters. They noted that the crew was deeply affected by the tragic turn of events, as they were en route to save lives and protect property when the fatal crash occurred.
The fire itself caused significant damage in the Bradford Ridge Lane area, with multiple households forced to evacuate due to the blaze. Emergency services responded to the scene in large numbers, battling the flames while also dealing with the repercussions of the crash that happened during their response.
While the full details of the crash remain under investigation, local officials have emphasized the seriousness of the situation and have assured the public that a comprehensive review is underway. Investigators are working to determine what caused the collision, including factors like road conditions, visibility, and the movement of emergency vehicles.
Carolyn Collins’s death adds a heartbreaking layer to an already devastating night for Columbia residents. As authorities continue their dual investigation into both the fire and the fatal crash, the community mourns the loss and supports those affected — both by the fire and the tragic accident.
Anyone with information regarding the crash is encouraged to come forward as officials strive to bring clarity and accountability to the events of that night.
