Authorities in Spartanburg County are investigating a fatal crash that occurred early Sunday morning at a local intersection.
The Spartanburg County Coroner’s Office identified the victim as 58-year-old Paulino Cortes Olea of Chesnee. Officials confirmed he died at the scene following the collision.
According to the South Carolina Highway Patrol, the crash happened around 6:44 a.m. at the intersection of Parris Bridge Road and Arrowood Branch Road in the Mayo/Chesnee area. Investigators said a tractor-trailer was traveling east on Parris Bridge Road at the time of the incident.
Preliminary reports indicate that a van driven by Olea was traveling on Arrowood Branch Road and attempted to cross Parris Bridge Road, where it collided with the tractor-trailer. Authorities have not released further details regarding the events leading up to the crash.
Officials reported that a passenger in the van was injured and transported to a nearby hospital for treatment. The driver of the tractor-trailer was not injured.
The coroner’s office noted that there was a delay in publicly identifying the victim due to the process of notifying next of kin, who reside outside the United States.
Law enforcement agencies are continuing to investigate the circumstances surrounding the crash. No additional information has been released regarding potential contributing factors.
Authorities are urging anyone who may have witnessed the incident or has relevant information to come forward and assist with the investigation.
This incident highlights ongoing concerns about roadway safety at intersections, particularly during early morning hours. Officials say updates will be provided as more details become available.
