Leesville Man Identified as Victim in Saluda County Structure Fire

Accident – Death – Obituary News : Leesville Man Identified as Victim in Tragic Saluda County Structure Fire

SALUDA COUNTY, S.C. (WJBF) – The Saluda County Coroner’s Office has identified a Leesville man as the unfortunate victim of a recent devastating structure fire in the county. The incident occurred in the early morning hours of Thursday, November 9th, in the Circle area off Columbia Hwy / Hwy. 378, prompting a swift response from the Saluda County Fire Service and other dedicated first responders.

The victim, Timothy Bruce Smith, a 72-year-old resident, was tragically trapped inside his home/business during the fire. Despite the valiant efforts of the firefighters, Mr. Smith’s rescue proved to be a challenging undertaking.

Following the rescue operation, Mr. Smith was immediately airlifted to Prisma Health Richland trauma unit to receive urgent medical attention. However, despite the best efforts of the medical staff, he succumbed to his injuries and tragically passed away in the early afternoon.

The Saluda County Coroner’s Office, in collaboration with the Saluda County Sheriff’s Office, South Carolina Law Enforcement Division, and Saluda County Fire Service, will be launching a thorough investigation into the cause of the fire and the circumstances surrounding Mr. Smith’s untimely death. This collaborative approach ensures a comprehensive examination of all relevant factors, aiming to provide answers to the grieving family and the community at large.

This tragic incident serves as a heartbreaking reminder of the importance of fire safety measures and the need to remain vigilant in protecting our homes and businesses. The Saluda County Fire Service encourages residents to regularly review their fire safety protocols, including the installation and maintenance of smoke detectors, practicing fire escape plans, and ensuring that fire extinguishers are readily available.

The loss of Timothy Bruce Smith is a profound tragedy that has deeply affected the Saluda County community. As news of this devastating incident reverberates throughout the area, local authorities are offering support and resources to those impacted by the loss.

As investigations into this incident progress, the Saluda County Coroner’s Office urges anyone with information related to the fire or any suspicious activities in the vicinity leading up to the incident to come forward. By working together, the community can help bring closure to this tragedy and prevent future similar incidents.

This is a developing story, and further updates will be provided as the investigation unfolds.

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