Two people were killed, and several others were injured, after a four-vehicle collision on Sunday at one of Columbia County’s busiest intersections. Bernice Andrews, 60, of North Augusta died at 2:39 a.m. on Monday at Augusta University Medical Center, while her passenger Jonathan Lee Faulk, 55, was declared dead at the accident scene, according to Columbia County Coroner Vernon Collins.

An investigation determined that Andrews was the driver of a black Nissan Maxima traveling south on N. Belair Road, and that she went across the center line, striking the front driver’s side of a blue Ford F-150 that was travelling in the opposite direction. After the collision, the Maxima spun into traffic and was hit by a red Chevrolet Tahoe, which then crashed into a white Tahoe on the outside lane. The accident happened near the corner of Columbia and North Belair Roads in Martinez.

All three vehicles came to rest in the northbound lanes of Belair. Shortly after the accident, deputies diverted traffic into the southbound lanes. C.J Tanner, who was a witness to the accident, pulled several victims out of the cars.

“I hear a loud bang, a couple smashes and I look up and I’m just seeing smoke; stuff coming from radiators, and cars sliding on down the roads over there. One guy is unresponsive. By the time I look back a couple of guys are trying to climb out of their vehicle, doors are jammed shut, so I started pulling them out of cars just helping them, making sure they were okay,” said Tanner.

Police are still investigating the cause of the crash, according to Maj. Steve Morris of the Columbia County Sheriff’s Office.

M. AUSTIN JACKSON ATTORNEY AT LAW CAN HELP

At M. Austin Jackson Attorney at Law, we understand how devastating a car accident can be, especially when it’s the result of someone else’s negligence. While injuries can be both physically and emotionally damaging, your finances could also be impacted due to expensive medical bills, extensive rehabilitation, and lost wages. Our Augusta car accident attorneys are committed to helping you get the compensation you need and deserve so that you don’t have to worry about money while you recover.