Deadly collision between construction vehicles; both drivers charged with DUI

CHARLESTON COUNTY, S.C. (WCBD) – The Charleston County Sheriff’s Office is investigating after two construction vehicles collided causing one fatality and serious injuries.

Deputies responded to the area of Savannah Highway and Briarcliff Drive in Charleston for a reported collision around 3 a.m. on Wednesday.

Authorities report that Kendall Hawkins, 45, of Awendaw, was driving one of the construction vehicles north on Savannah Highway, pulling a trailer with three occupants who were collecting traffic cones.

Hawkins then made an illegal U-turn to head south on Savannah Highway, in the process, Hawkins turned in front of Rockarius King, 33, of Ladson who was driving another construction vehicle.

According to the Charleston County Sheriff’s Office, when the two vehicles collided the three passengers were ejected from the trailer and onto the road, resulting in serious injuries.

Hawkins, King, and the three passengers were transported to a local hospital for treatment. One passenger from the trailer later died of their injuries.

Hawkins is charged with two counts of Felony Driving Under the Influence. King is charged with one count of Driving under the Influence in the First Degree and one count of having an Open Container in a Motor Vehicle.

The Charleston County Sheriff’s Office has not yet released the name of the deceased.

The Sheriff’s Office Traffic Unit is investigating the crash. Anyone with information to assist the investigation is asked to contact the Sheriff’s Office at 843-202-1700.