ATV Accident in Salem

Shortly before noon on Tuesday, emergency responders in the Salem area were alerted to a male pinned beneath a piece of machinery off East Stamp Creek Road.  Oconee County Fire Chief Charlie King reports the incident occurred in a remote area on a 500-acre tract of land being developed by a private owner. Family members were able to lead responders through 2.5 miles of rough trails to access the injured man. The area was only accessible by foot or all-terrain vehicles. Once on scene, responders found a man who had been thrown from the driver’s seat of a “side-by-side” ATV. He suffered serious injuries and was treated at the remote scene by paramedics and responders. Due to the steep terrain, responders had to hand carry him on a litter, approximately ¾ mile to a point that could be safely reached by a transport ATV.  The injured man was transferred to the care of an awaiting ambulance in just over two hours. Oconee Medical Center EMS then transported him to the hospital for treatment.  In total, 27 responders operated over three hours to ensure a successful outcome.  Chief King credits responding units from Salem Fire and Rescue, the Keowee Fire Department, Oconee Medical Center EMS, and Oconee County Emergency Services.