Man Dies in Midlands Building Fire: Timothy Bruce Smith Identified as Victim

Tragic Incident in Saluda County

A devastating incident unfolded in Saluda County, as a 72-year-old Leesville resident lost his life when he was pulled from a blazing building. The Saluda County Coroner’s Office confirmed the identity of the victim as Timothy Bruce Smith in a recent news release.

The alarm was raised early on Thursday morning when first responders, including the Saluda County Fire Service and Saluda County EMS, arrived at the scene of a structure fire. The fire had engulfed a building located in the Circle area, just off Columbia Highway/U.S. 378, which served as both Smith’s home and business.

Smith was swiftly rescued from the intense flames and immediately airlifted to Prisma Health Richland in Columbia for urgent medical attention. Tragically, he succumbed to his injuries later that afternoon, as announced by the coroner’s office.

At present, the exact cause of Smith’s death remains undisclosed.

Fortunately, no other individuals sustained injuries during the incident.

The circumstances surrounding the fire, including its cause and point of origin, are currently under investigation. The Saluda County Coroner’s Office, in collaboration with the Saluda County Sheriff’s Office, South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED), and Saluda County Fire Service, are meticulously examining the case. It has not been confirmed whether foul play is suspected at this stage.

Authorities have refrained from providing details regarding the time it took to extinguish the flames and the extent of the damages caused by the fire.

The local community in Saluda County has been left devastated by the tragic loss of Timothy Bruce Smith. As news of the incident spreads, friends, neighbors, and loved ones are coming together to offer support and condolences to Smith’s family.

Smith’s passing serves as a stark reminder of the importance of fire safety and the need for constant vigilance when it comes to preventing such devastating incidents. As the investigation unfolds, authorities are hopeful that it will shed light on the cause of the fire, providing closure for the bereaved family and ensuring that necessary measures are taken to prevent similar accidents in the future.