South Carolina Woman Charged With Felony DUI After U.S. 301 Crash Kills Two in Orangeburg County
ORANGEBURG COUNTY, SOUTH CAROLINA — Two people are dead and a young driver faces serious charges after an early morning crash on U.S. Highway 301 that authorities say was caused by driving under the influence.
Fatal Collision on Five Chop Road
According to Master Trooper Mitchell Ridgeway with the South Carolina Highway Patrol, the deadly collision happened around 2:30 a.m. Friday on U.S. 301 (Five Chop Road) near Jernigan Drive, just north of Orangeburg.
Investigators say a moped traveling south on the highway was struck from behind by a 2021 Kia sedan. The impact threw both riders from the moped into the roadway.
Both victims were pronounced dead at the scene. The driver of the Kia sedan was not injured, troopers said.
Driver Identified, Faces Felony DUI Charges
Authorities identified the driver of the sedan as 21-year-old Destine Bratton, who was later charged with two counts of felony DUI involving death.
The South Carolina Highway Patrol confirmed that impairment played a role in the crash. Bratton was taken into custody following the initial investigation and booked at the Orangeburg County Detention Center.
Officials have not yet released the names of the two deceased victims, pending notification of family members.
Community Impact
The wreck brought a heavy police and emergency presence to U.S. 301 during the early morning hours, with traffic diverted for several hours while investigators reconstructed the crash scene.
Local residents described the area as dark and sparsely lit, a stretch of highway that has seen multiple serious accidents in recent years.
“People drive way too fast through here,” said a nearby homeowner. “It’s heartbreaking to see another crash take lives.”
Ongoing Investigation
The South Carolina Highway Patrol and Orangeburg County Coroner’s Office are continuing to investigate the case. Officials said additional charges could follow as toxicology results and crash data are reviewed.
Bratton’s court appearance has not yet been scheduled, and authorities emphasized that felony DUI resulting in death carries up to 25 years in prison per count if convicted.
Road Safety Reminder
Troopers are urging drivers to plan ahead and never get behind the wheel while impaired.
“We see the same story too often — young lives lost because of impaired driving,” Ridgeway said. “This was entirely preventable.”
The fatal crash marks yet another reminder of the ongoing danger of DUI-related collisions across South Carolina, where traffic fatalities have increased more than 10% since 2020, according to state records.
Do you think South Carolina should impose harsher penalties or mandatory ignition interlocks for first-time DUI offenders? Share your thoughts and join the conversation at SaludaStandard-Sentinel.com.
