Williamsburg County, SC — December 24, 2024, Anthonie Benton and a 7-year-old boy were killed and another person was injured in a truck accident at about 3:15 p.m. on U.S. Highway 52.

Authorities said a 2009 Ford Ranger and a 2016 Ford van collided near South Carolina Highway 375. The vehicles were heading in opposite directions before the crash.

The driver of the pickup, Anthonie Benton, 22, was pronounced dead at the scene, authorities said. His 7-year-old brother died after being transported to an area hospital.

The van driver, whose name has not been released at this time, was hospitalized after the crash as well, according to authorities.

Authorities have not released any additional information about the crash.

The accident remains under investigation.

Commentary by Attorney Michael Grossman

When I read about a crash like this one, the first question that comes to mind is what caused these vehicles to collide. Head-on or near head-on crashes are particularly destructive and often raise questions about lane discipline, road design and driver behavior.

One critical aspect to investigate is whether either vehicle crossed the centerline. Was one of the drivers distracted, impaired or fatigued? Distraction remains one of the leading causes of collisions, and even a momentary lapse in focus can lead to a deadly crash, particularly on highways with two-way traffic. Authorities will need to examine physical evidence at the scene, like skid marks, as well as any available dashcam or witness footage, to piece together how the vehicles came into each other’s paths.

The road itself also warrants a closer look. Highways often have minimal separation between lanes of opposing traffic, which increases the likelihood of crossover crashes. Were there clear lane markings, adequate shoulders or other safety features like rumble strips? If the road was poorly designed or inadequately maintained, that could have contributed to the collision.

Another important factor is the time of day: 3:15 p.m. It’s possible that sun glare or other environmental conditions impacted visibility for one or both drivers. Investigators should evaluate whether lighting or weather conditions played a role in this crash.

Finally, vehicle condition is another angle to consider. Mechanical failures, such as brake or steering issues, could have caused a vehicle to veer unexpectedly. Investigating maintenance records for both the Ford Ranger and the Ford van will help rule out this possibility.

This crash serves as a reminder that understanding what happened involves more than just looking at the moment of impact. It requires examining the actions of the drivers, the condition of the vehicles and the design and maintenance of the roadway. By doing so, investigators can identify what went wrong and help prevent similar collisions in the future.