A five-vehicle wreck west of Laurens yesterday afternoon killed one driver and injured four others, one of whom was airlifted to Greenville for treatment. South Carolina Highway Patrol Corporal Bill Rhyme said the fatal crash occurred at approximately 3:38 pm 1.3 miles west of Laurens on US 76. We understand this was at the intersection of 76 West and Chestnut Ridge Church Road.
Laurens County Coroner Nick Nichols identified the deceased as 68-year-old Linda Putnam of 5398 Highway 221 South, Laurens. Nichols said Linda Putnam was declared dead at the Laurens County Memorial Hospital at 4:48 Thursday afternoon, and said she died of blunt force trauma to her chest.
Corporal Rhyme said the deceased was driving a 2009 Kia SUV, was wearing her seat belt and was transported to Laurens County hospital by EMS. He said 44-year-old David Prince of Gray Court was driving a 1997 International truck involved in the wreck. Prince was airlifted to Greenville Memorial Hospital for treatment of his injuries. Three other drivers were transported to GHS Laurens County Memorial by EMS for treatment of their injuries. They were 72-year-old Rella Michels of Waterloo, who was wearing a seat belt while driving a 2005 Dodge; 59-year-old Jackie Newton of Laurens, driving a 1999 Dodge Pickup and 38-year-old Stephanie Brownlee of Laurens, who was driving a 2009 Honda 4-door and was wearing her seat belt.
As to what happened to cause the five vehcile fatal crash yesterday afternoon, Corporal Bill Rhyme said that remains under investigation of the Highway Patrol and a Patrol MAIT team.