Horry County, SC — August 20, 2025, Two people were killed following a dump truck accident that occurred at around 4:28 P.M. on Highway 22.

According to reports, a dump truck was traveling westbound on Highway 22 near Highway 90 when it failed to control its distance for unknown reasons and struck a Chevy SUV that was stopped for traffic, causing a chain reaction collision with a Jeep and a GMC pickup truck. The Chevy caught fire after impact, and the Jeep was pushed over the railing into the water below.

When first responders arrived on the scene they found the Chevy and Jeep driver, identified as Flora Beltran-Gomez and Earl Burnette respectively, fatally injured and pronounced them deceased, while the GMC driver was taken to the hospital with suspected serious injuries. This remains an ongoing investigation.

Commentary

When a heavy truck collides with stopped traffic and sets off a chain reaction, the damage is often widespread and severe. But the real issue isn’t just the sequence of impacts—it’s understanding why the truck driver lost control in the first place.

Did the authorities thoroughly investigate the crash?
A multi-vehicle collision involving a commercial truck requires detailed reconstruction. Investigators should measure impact points, debris fields, and final vehicle positions to confirm the sequence of collisions. It’s equally important to establish the dump truck’s speed, braking distance, and whether evasive maneuvers were attempted. A full reconstruction can distinguish between driver inattention, delayed reaction, or something more sudden.

Has anyone looked into the possibility that a vehicle defect caused the crash?
When a heavy vehicle fails to stop in time, brake failure or other mechanical issues must be carefully examined. Commercial trucks rely on complex braking and suspension systems that, if neglected or defective, can reduce stopping ability. Without a detailed inspection of the dump truck’s mechanical systems, including brake wear and maintenance history, it’s impossible to rule out a defect or failure as a factor.

Has all the electronic data relating to the crash been collected?
Modern trucks often contain electronic logging and event data recorders that capture speed, brake application, and engine performance. Retrieving that data is essential for understanding the driver’s actions before impact. Additional evidence could come from dashcams, traffic cameras, or GPS records, all of which can provide independent confirmation of timing and movement.

Getting clear answers means going beyond surface-level reports to examine the physical scene, the truck’s condition, and electronic data together. Only then can the full picture emerge.

Takeaways:

• Multi-vehicle crashes with heavy trucks demand precise scene reconstruction to confirm the sequence of events.
• Mechanical inspections of the dump truck, particularly its braking system, are critical to rule out failures.
• Electronic data and camera footage can verify speed, braking, and driver response before impact.