KILLIAN, SC : 3 Claflin students die in I-77 wreck in Richland County on Thursday, 13th October 2016

Three Claflin University students have died in a wreck on Interstate 77 in Richland County.

Authorities said the wreck happened about 5:30 p.m. Thursday on I-77 near Killian when an SUV crossed into oncoming traffic.

Coroner Gary Watts reported the deaths and Claflin issued a statement Friday morning confirming that the three were students there.

The South Carolina Highway Patrol says an SUV was traveling south on I-77 when the driver lost control and the vehicle crossed into the northbound lanes, colliding with another SUV.

All of the dead were in the SUV that crossed into the oncoming lanes.

The names of the students have not been released by the Coroner’s Office until the family members can be notified.

The student that was injured is currently in the trauma unit at a hospital in Columbia.

"We are hurting and are saddened to hear about the untimely death of three of our students. I call upon the Claflin family to draw closer together and remain strong as we try to comprehend the loss of these members of our Claflin family,” President Henry N. Tisdale said in a statement.

“Our prayers are also with the families and friends who are connected with the accident victims and with the student who is still in the hospital.”

Counseling services are available in Corson Hall and in the Chaplain’s Office, the university reported. The Chapel will remain open for reflection and prayer. The University will also hold a prayer service today at 12:00 p.m. in the W.V. Middleton Fine Arts Center.

Source :
3 Claflin students die in I-77 wreck in Richland County