South Carolina Highway Patrol says two fire trucks responded to a brush fire on I-20 in the median near Clemson Road. Two firefighters were outside the truck attending to the fire when they were hit by a car. Around 2:15 PM, a 2006 Chevrolet Impala slowed for the emergency vehicles parked on the side of the highway. A 1997 Chevrolet van then rear ended the Impala. The Impala struck the two fire trucks and then struck the two firefighters.
Larry Irvin, 30, of Columbia was transported by helicopter to Palmetto Health Richland. He is in critical, but stable condition. Columbia Interim Fire Chief Aubrey Jenkins says the other firefighter passed away Saturday night at the hospital. Chief Jenkins says both men worked for the Columbia Fire Department. He asks that the community pray for the families as well as members of the Columbia-Richland Fire Department.
Highway Patrol says the drivers of both the Impala and the van were not injured. There were also six passengers in the van ranging in age from one to 35. None of the passengers were injured either.