Three Indian American Women Killed In South Carolina Car Crash

COLUMBUS, SC (ANI) – Three Indian American women—Rekhaben Patel, Sangitaben Patel, and Manishaben Patel—have tragically lost their lives, while another remains hospitalized following a crash near Greenville County on April 26.

According to South Carolina Highway Patrol troopers, the collision occurred around 12:05 p.m. along I-85 near Lakeside Road.

Chief Deputy Coroner Mike Ellis of the Greenville County Coroner’s Office explained that an SUV traveling north on I-85 veered off the right shoulder, ascended an embankment, crashed through the cement bridge abutment of the Staunton Bridge Road overpass, hurdled over all four lanes of traffic, and plowed through trees on the opposite side of the bridge before tumbling down another embankment.

Ellis informed a local news station, “When the vehicle jumped all four lanes of traffic, it actually struck trees probably at least 20 feet above the ground.”

Troopers confirmed that three passengers succumbed to their injuries at the scene, while the driver was transported to the hospital with injuries. Ellis stated that the victims hailed from Georgia.

Responding to the incident were the Greenville County Coroner’s Office, South Carolina Highway Patrol, Gantt Fire and Rescue, and multiple units of the Greenville County EMS.

The wreckage of the SUV lies in multiple pieces after colliding with the bridge. The cause of the vehicle’s departure from the roadway is currently under investigation.

“It’s obvious that they were traveling above the posted speed limit and for some reason left the roadway,” Ellis remarked. “Unsure exactly why at this time.”