South Carolina floods claim lives of two R.J. Corman employees

Written by Jenifer Nunez, assistant editor

R. J. Corman Railroad Group has confirmed that the company lost two employees as a result of a pickup truck accident on the flood-damaged Congaree Road in Eastover, S.C.

 

In the early hours of Oct. 7, an R. J. Corman truck carrying five employees fell into a large hole in the road created by floodwaters. Three of the five men were able to get out of the truck and to safety. Unfortunately, two of the employees were not able to escape the floodwaters. They were located later, following an extensive search and rescue effort.

The employees who lost their lives were Ricky McDonald, 53, of Chesapeake, Ohio, and Bob Vance, 58, of Lexington, Ky. They had been employed with R. J. Corman for six years and three years, respectively.

“We are in the process of gathering more information about the accident and are fully cooperating with an ongoing official investigation,” the company stated. “However, the most current information we have indicates that our employees acted in a cautious manner and one in compliance with internal policies and road restrictions. Although initial reports incorrectly stated that R. J. Corman employees had evaded barricades and ignored road closure signs, South Carolina State Highway Patrol has confirmed reports that those signs and barricades were improperly placed, giving the employees the impression that only the opposite side of the road from which they were traversing was closed. Preliminary investigation reports lead us to believe the leading cause of the accident will be attributed to inadequate warning.

“We are grateful to the first responders at the scene who assisted our employees and conducted the search for the missing men,” R. J. Corman stated. “Their dedication and professionalism are deeply appreciated.

“We also wish to thank all those who have expressed their concern. While we are thankful for the safe return of three of the employees involved, we are deeply saddened by the loss of two of our own. We ask for continued thoughts and prayers for the families and loved ones of McDonald, Vance, the survivors and all those impacted as we cope with this difficult loss,” the company concluded.

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