BERKELEY COUNTY, S.C. — A 79-year-old woman has died following a crash involving an SUV and an 18-wheeler Friday morning along Clements Ferry Road, according to authorities.
The collision occurred around 10:50 a.m. on April 17 near Reflectance Drive. Officers responded to reports of a crash involving a Hyundai SUV and a tractor-trailer.
According to a preliminary investigation by the Charleston Police Department’s Major Accident Investigation Team (MAIT), the SUV was exiting a parking lot and attempting to enter Clements Ferry Road when it crossed the southbound lane of traffic in front of the 18-wheeler. The truck then struck the SUV, causing it to leave the roadway and come to rest on the shoulder.
The driver of the SUV, identified by the Berkeley County Coroner’s Office as Bella Cousette of Charleston, was transported to a hospital with serious injuries and later died as a result of those injuries. She was pronounced deceased following the crash.
Authorities said no charges have been filed at this time, and the investigation remains ongoing.
The Charleston Police Department noted this marks the seventh fatal traffic-related collision investigated by the department so far in 2026.
Anyone with information about the crash is urged to contact the Charleston Police Department Traffic Unit at (843) 965-4084. Anonymous tips can also be submitted online through the department’s website.
The Berkeley County Coroner’s Office and the Charleston Police Department are continuing to investigate the incident.
