A woman died Thursday afternoon after being struck by a police truck on a beach in Horry County, South Carolina, authorities said.
The incident occurred near the Springmaid Pier in Myrtle Beach as the Horry County Police Department (HCPD) vehicle was driving onto the sand from the Nash Street access point.
The police vehicle, a 2020 Ford Ranger Pickup truck, was driving north from Nash Street when it hit the woman, who was facing east. Witnesses described a chaotic scene as beachgoers tried to lift the truck off the woman, who was pinned beneath one of the wheels.
"I heard and saw nothing until I heard her scream, and it was the most powerful scream, something that you can't, like nothing from the movies or anything," Amanda Bilodeau, a witness, told local media.
"It was just like pure fear or pain or both. Immediately, myself and probably everybody on the beach turned around and just went running," she added.
Dennis Miller, another beachgoer, said he attempted to help. "She was pinned underneath the vehicle, so a bunch of men, we came over. We did our best to lift the car up off of her," Miller said. Despite their efforts, the woman was transported to the Grand Strand Medical Center, where she later died from her injuries.
The Horry County Police Department has not yet released the identity of the victim, pending notification of her family. The police officer involved in the incident has been placed on administrative leave while the South Carolina Highway Patrol conducts an investigation.
"What occurred on the beach yesterday was a tragedy, and we know our community is hurting," the department said in a statement. "Our hearts are with all those impacted by this loss. We also know our community has questions. We do too".
The tragic incident is not the first incident of its kind on Horry County beaches. In 2020, another person was struck by an HCPD patrol car while lying on the beach in Garden City, south of Myrtle Beach.
The Horry County Police Department referred all inquiries to the SCHP without providing further details.
Witnesses at the scene expressed their sorrow and frustration. "We hate that anything like that happened, and as far as the lady, we're just so sad for her, too," said Miller. "It's just an unfortunate accident" .
The HCPD has pledged full cooperation with both internal and external investigations to ensure a thorough examination of the incident.
"We have a responsibility to ensure the investigations occur without delay or interference. Horry County Police Department is providing any access and information that South Carolina Highway Patrol may require to complete their investigation," the department said, adding: "Our community is hurting."
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