Police say Belton ran a red light at the intersection of Blossom St. and Huger St. and slammed into a mini-van driven by Chamberlain E. Branch, 48.
"When he got to the intersection the 2011 Hyundai disregarded the stoplight, and that's when he struck the minivan traveling on Huger Street," said Lcpl. Brent Kelly with the South Carolina Highway Patrol.
According to troopers, the Hyundai Belton was driving collided with Branch's Ford mini-van which was traveling west on Huger Street and a Dodge mini-van taxi that was traveling south on Blossom Street. The Ford hit the Columbia Antique Mall and caught fire.
As a result of the incident, Branch and Belton died at the scene. The taxi driver was uninjured.
Governor Nikki Haley said late Friday morning that she and her family are heartbroken over Branch's death. "Everyone who knew him loved him," said Haley in an emailed statement. "His smile and laugh were contagious. He was a very special part of our family, and his gentle soul, good humor, and care will always be treasured memories for each of us."
Branch leaves a wife, Cherisse, and three children.
Police say Belton ran a red light at the intersection of Blossom St. and Huger St. and slammed into a mini-van driven by Chamberlain E. Branch, 48.
"When he got to the intersection the 2011 Hyundai disregarded the stoplight, and that's when he struck the minivan traveling on Huger Street," said Lcpl. Brent Kelly with the South Carolina Highway Patrol.
According to troopers, the Hyundai Belton was driving collided with Branch's Ford mini-van which was traveling west on Huger Street and a Dodge mini-van taxi that was traveling south on Blossom Street. The Ford hit the Columbia Antique Mall and caught fire.
As a result of the incident, Branch and Belton died at the scene. The taxi driver was uninjured.
Governor Nikki Haley said late Friday morning that she and her family are heartbroken over Branch's death. "Everyone who knew him loved him," said Haley in an emailed statement. "His smile and laugh were contagious. He was a very special part of our family, and his gentle soul, good humor, and care will always be treasured memories for each of us."
Branch leaves a wife, Cherisse, and three children.
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