News Summary
A police pursuit involving a U-Haul truck led to a fatal crash in downtown Charleston, resulting in the death of Shinique Toussaint-Allah and multiple injuries, including a couple from New York. The tragedy unfolded as bystanders tried to help a pedestrian, only to be struck by the fleeing vehicle. The suspect, Margie Brown, faces charges including reckless homicide while investigations continue to uncover further details.
Charleston – A tragic accident occurred in downtown Charleston on April 26, 2025, when a police pursuit involving a U-Haul truck ended in a fatal crash. The incident resulted in one death and multiple injuries, including a couple from New York, who were caught in the chaos as they attempted to assist a pedestrian.
The deceased victim, identified as 42-year-old Shinique Toussaint-Allah, died from blunt force injuries sustained at the scene. Seven people, including the Hughes couple, suffered injuries from the crash and were hospitalized as a result. The couple, Lyndie and Ryan Hughes, were on a stroll in downtown Charleston when they witnessed another pedestrian being hit by a white sedan.
As Lyndie Hughes, a physician assistant, rushed to help the pedestrian, both she and her husband were struck by the U-Haul truck that was allegedly fleeing from the police. In an attempt to shield his wife, Ryan Hughes pushed Lyndie out of the way just moments before the collision occurred.
Lyndie Hughes sustained severe head injuries, including multiple skull fractures, and is currently on a liquid diet as she recovers from a broken upper jaw. Ryan Hughes suffered a broken pelvis and leg injuries, which now require him to use a walker for mobility.
The driver of the U-Haul truck, Margie Brown, 54, is now facing multiple charges including reckless homicide. At the time of the crash, Brown was out on bond from a prior assault charge. After initially refusing bond hearings, she has since requested a preliminary hearing, although no date has been set for that hearing.
The events leading up to the crash began when the U-Haul truck fled from police following an attempted traffic stop on Dorchester Road. North Charleston police ended their pursuit before the truck entered downtown Charleston. However, shortly thereafter, the truck struck two pedestrians and collided with a Mercedes sedan occupied by three individuals. The series of incidents culminated with the truck hitting a motorcycle, resulting in the tragic death of Toussaint-Allah, while the other motorcyclist also sustained injuries.
The South Carolina Highway Patrol is currently leading the investigation into the incident to determine the full details surrounding the crash. As authorities gather more information, they emphasize the importance of ensuring safety during such high-stress situations for both police and civilians alike.
Melody Galka, the mother of Lyndie Hughes, expressed her relief that both her daughter and son-in-law survived the horrific incident, despite the serious nature of their injuries. As the community comes together to support the Hughes family, the investigation into the tragic events continues.
In summary, the downtown Charleston crash on April 26, claims the life of one individual and leaves others, including visiting New Yorkers, battling severe injuries. As the investigation unfolds, the focus remains on accountability and understanding what led to this devastating outcome.
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Additional Resources
- Live 5 News
- Wikipedia: Charleston
- Post and Courier
- Google Search: U-Haul police chase Charleston
- ABC News 4
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Traffic Accidents
- WLTX
- Google News: Charleston police pursuit
- Count on 2
- Google Scholar: Charleston U-Haul incident
