News from Lexington: A Tragic Incident on Highway 178
LEXINGTON — It was a calm evening on October 24, 2024, but what was supposed to be a typical night took a tragic turn when an elderly man lost his life after being struck by multiple vehicles along Highway 178. The victim, Robert Barrs, aged 74, was attempting to cross the busy highway when the first collision occurred around 7:17 p.m.
According to Lexington County Coroner Margaret Mitchell, Barrs was walking in the area near Wash Board Road, approximately three miles north of Pelion, when he was hit by a vehicle. Disturbingly, surveillance footage revealed that Barrs lay injured on the road for nearly 20 minutes, during which a total of 34 vehicles passed by him. Shockingly, several of those vehicles struck him again before anyone decided to call 911. Help didn’t arrive until 7:36 p.m., a heartbreaking delay considering Barrs was pronounced dead at the scene due to the severity of his injuries.
The investigation into the incident is ongoing, and it appears that the driver who initially hit him is the one who ultimately caused his death. Chandler Clardy, the county’s Chief Deputy Coroner, stated that the driver fled the scene after the collision. Witnesses reported that the vehicle was a champagne-colored Chevrolet Impala manufactured between 2011 and 2013, and it allegedly suffered damage to its front or driver’s side.
After the first collision, a second unidentified vehicle, also traveling east, struck Barrs before a 2009 Chevrolet sedan hit him for the third time. The details of the incident, as revealed by Master Trooper Mitchell Ridgeway, have left many in the community reeling.
The coroner’s office took to social media to share the news of Barrs’ death, and their post garnered significant traction, attracting over a hundred comments within just two hours. Many commenters expressed profound disbelief that so many people could drive past an injured man without stopping to help. One cannot help but wonder: where has our sense of community gone?
This tragic event highlights a broader issue that plagues South Carolina, where pedestrian safety continues to be a serious concern. A recent national study has ranked the Charleston/North Charleston area as the ninth most dangerous metro region for pedestrians, with Columbia following closely behind at number twelve. Such statistics reveal a sobering truth: many U.S. streets are designed to prioritize the speed of vehicles over the safety of pedestrians.
In a similar incident earlier this year, two women tragically lost their lives while walking beside Morrison Drive in Charleston. The investigations revealed that one of the drivers involved had been drinking, emphasizing the ongoing dangers that pedestrians face on our roads.
As community members grapple with the tragic loss of Robert Barrs, it serves as a grim reminder of the urgent need for enhanced roadway safety measures to protect individuals on foot. More pedestrian crossings, better lighting, and public education about the dangers of speeding can potentially save lives. It’s crucial that we address these issues collectively to create a safer environment for everyone.
Conclusion
The heart-wrenching story of Robert Barrs will not be forgotten by those who witnessed the aftermath of the incident or heard about it through social media and community discussions. As authorities continue their search for the vehicle involved in this tragic event, let’s take this opportunity to remind ourselves of the importance of vigilance on our roads. Remember, a little extra caution can go a long way toward creating a safer community.
For those seeking assistance or wanting more information regarding safety measures, it’s essential to connect with local organizations that advocate for pedestrian safety. Together, we can work toward preventing tragedies like this in the future.
