Two Die In Multi-Vehicle Wreck on Bull River Bridge

Two people are dead after a three-car collision on the east side of the Bull River Bridge at about 4:00 p.m. today just as a severe rain storm hit the area. The bridge was re-opened to traffic around 9:45 p.m.

The wreck involved a van, minivan and vehicle. All three vehicles suffered burn damage. The two occupants of the van and the two occupants of the minivan were able to escape the wreck without injury. The two persons in the vehicle died at the scene.

Children in three school buses on their way home were transported to Coastal Middle School, where they are being supervised by teachers and school staff until they can be taken home.

The identities of the two victims; and the cause of the incident have yet to be determined.

Access to the Bull River Bridge has been restored after SCMPD traffic officers completed their investigation and cleared debris from a fiery three-vehicle wreck that claimed the lives of two people.

The Georgia Department of Transportation also determined the bridge was structurally sound before traffic was allowed to resume. In all, the bridge was closed for about 5 ½ hours to allow emergency services personnel to extract the bodies from the wreckage, for forensics to be completed and for the bridge to be fully examined for structural damage because of the fire. Much of the work was done during intermittent heavy rain.

Even though officers, including Police Chief Michael Berkow, walked from car to car on either side of the bridge advising that it would be closed for a number of hours, police received numerous 9-1-1 calls from irate stranded drivers. Police want to remind people that 9-1-1 is for emergencies only. Police were prepared to send ambulances or police to anyone who had medical or other emergencies who were stranded in traffic. An emergency lane was also established in the event that ambulances or other emergency vehicles needed access on or off the island.

A number of school children, stranded on the west side of the bridge were taken to Coastal Middle School where they were cared for by teachers and other school staff until they were able to return to the buses and head home.

Police wish to thank all those who were patient during this incident.