A tragic incident unfolded on a beach in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina when a woman was fatally struck by a Horry County Police Ford Ranger Pickup truck on Thursday morning. The accident occurred around 1:05 p.m. near the Nash Street beach access area, close to Springmaid Pier. The officer driving the vehicle, whose identity has not been disclosed, has been placed on administrative leave pending investigations.
Witnesses described a harrowing scene as the woman was pinned under the police vehicle’s wheels, prompting nearby beachgoers to rush to her aid. Amanda Bilodeau recounted hearing the woman’s piercing scream, which alerted everyone on the beach, leading to efforts to lift the truck off her.
Despite their quick response, the victim, whose name is being withheld until her family is notified, tragically succumbed to her injuries after being transported to Grand Strand Medical Center.
Woman Killed by Police Truck on South Carolina Beach.
The South Carolina Highway Patrol (SCHP) is leading the investigation into the incident. According to SCHP reports to Fox Carolina, the police truck was maneuvering off the beach access ramp onto the sand when the collision occurred. This marks another devastating occurrence involving a beachgoer and a law enforcement vehicle in Horry County, following a similar incident in Garden City back in 2020.
Dennis Miller, another witness, described the frantic efforts of bystanders to assist the trapped woman, highlighting the community’s immediate response to the emergency. He expressed sorrow over the incident, echoing sentiments shared by many who were present.
In response to the tragedy, the Horry County Police Department acknowledged the gravity of the situation in a Facebook statement, expressing condolences to the victim’s family and recognizing the community’s distress. The department emphasized its commitment to thorough investigation, ensuring transparency and accountability in the aftermath of the accident.
As investigations continue, the community awaits further details and answers regarding the circumstances of the accident. The incident has left a profound impact on Myrtle Beach, underscoring the need for careful consideration of safety measures in beachfront policing operations to prevent such tragedies in the future.
