Charleston, October 24, 2025
News Summary
Charleston faced multiple serious traffic incidents, including a pedestrian collision near the Medical University of South Carolina that resulted in injuries, and a tragic hit-and-run that took the life of a 70-year-old man. In another single-car crash, a woman sustained critical injuries. Authorities are urging the community to prioritize safe driving practices as investigations continue.
Charleston experienced a series of serious traffic incidents, including a collision that injured a pedestrian outside the Medical University of South Carolina (MUSC) and a hit-and-run accident that claimed the life of a 70-year-old man.
A serious collision occurred on Thursday afternoon at the intersection of Ashley Avenue and Doughty Street, right in front of MUSC’s horseshoe. According to Charleston police, the pedestrian involved in the incident sustained serious injuries and was promptly transported to the hospital. The exact details of the injuries remain undisclosed. Due to the ongoing investigation, Ashley Avenue had to be temporarily closed from Calhoun to Bee Street, and drivers were encouraged to avoid the area. MUSC reassured the public that Ashley Avenue “should be completely open soon” and promised updates regarding road conditions.
In a separate but related incident, a woman sustained critical multi-trauma injuries in a single-car collision on Combahee Road on Wednesday morning. At approximately 10:24 a.m., the driver of a small sedan lost control and crashed into a tree after leaving the roadway at high speed. The woman was found unresponsive and unbelted at the scene and was subsequently flown to the Trauma Center at MUSC. The South Carolina Highway Patrol is currently investigating this case.
The community was further shaken by a tragic hit-and-run accident that resulted in the death of 70-year-old Oliver Krauth. The incident took place on Paul Cantrell Boulevard, where Krauth was attempting to cross the street in a wheelchair shortly before 9 p.m. on a Friday. He was struck by a vehicle that fled the scene. Despite being swiftly transported to MUSC, Krauth succumbed to blunt force injuries around 9:40 p.m. Following the accident, the roadway was closed for approximately four hours as authorities conducted an investigation. This incident marks the sixth fatal traffic-related collision under investigation by local police this year.
In a related traffic case, Brandon David Simons has been charged with causing the death of a dentist in a separate head-on collision in November 2023. The collision reportedly took place while Simons was driving at high speeds under the influence. He was arrested and subsequently had his bond denied due to ongoing medical complications from the November crash, which left him hospitalized for several weeks. During a court hearing, it was revealed that while Simons was not under the influence of alcohol at the time, unspecified substances were found in his system. He currently faces multiple allegations, including reckless homicide and felony DUI causing great bodily injury, although his trial has faced delays due to his serious medical issues post-accident.
As these tragic events unfold, local authorities continue to stress the importance of safe driving practices and pedestrian awareness. Investigations into these incidents remain active.
FAQ
What happened outside MUSC on Thursday?
A serious collision occurred at the intersection of Ashley Avenue and Doughty Street, leading to a pedestrian being seriously injured.
How was the situation managed by local authorities?
Charleston police confirmed that the injured pedestrian was transported to the hospital with unknown injuries, and Ashley Avenue was temporarily closed due to the investigation.
How many traffic-related fatalities have there been this year?
The hit-and-run incident that resulted in the death of Oliver Krauth marks the sixth fatal traffic-related collision being investigated by local police this year.
Summary of Key Incidents
| Incident Type | Date | Location | Details |
|---|---|---|---|
| Collision with Pedestrian | Thursday | Ashley Avenue and Doughty Street | Pedestrian injured, taken to hospital. |
| Single-Car Collision | Wednesday | Combahee Road | Woman critically injured, transported to Trauma Center. |
| Hit-and-Run | Friday | Paul Cantrell Boulevard | 70-year-old man killed while crossing street in wheelchair. |
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Additional Resources
- ABC News 4: Collision Outside MUSC
- Live 5 News: Woman Hospitalized After Crash
- Live 5 News: Hit-and-Run Victim Identified
- Post and Courier: DUI Arrest 2023
- Wikipedia: Traffic Collision
Author: STAFF HERE CHARLESTON
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