1/10 NEWSBREAK: Truck overturns during Tuesday storm, closing Ravenel Bridge for hours

A semi-truck overturned in the northbound lanes of the Arthur Ravenel Jr. Bridge about 4 p.m. Tuesday during a gusty storm, leading to an hours-long closure of the entire bridge while first responders were on scene.

Mount Pleasant and Charleston police officers collaborated to rescue the 18-wheeler’s driver, who was injured and trapped in the cab of the truck, according to Charleston police. The driver, who was the truck’s only occupant, was taken to the hospital for his injuries, and his name has not been released.

Charleston County officials issued a “code red” warning for all bridges taller than 65 feet in its jurisdiction shortly after the truck overturned. The alert signaled sustained winds over 40 mph rendering the spans unsafe to cross. Due to the weather, police and paramedics couldn’t stay on the Ravenel Bridge. A tow truck reportedly was barred from accessing the bridge to remove the wrecked truck until the alert was lifted about 6:30 p.m.

Elsewhere in the state, the severe storm system led to flooding, road closures and property damage, especially in Bamberg, where a tornado reportedly left buildings in rubble and toppled trees across roads. Four people across three states are said to have died due to the storm conditions.

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