October 7, 2015
Two R. J. Corman Employees Lose Their Lives in Flood Related Accident
It is with great sadness that we confirm that R. J. Corman Railroad Group lost two employees today as a result of a pickup truck accident on the flood-damaged Congaree Road in Eastover, South Carolina.
In the early hours of the morning, an R. J. Corman truck carrying five employees fell into a large hole in the road created by floodwaters. Three of the five men were able to get out of the truck and to safety. Unfortunately, two of the employees were not able to escape the floodwaters. They were located later, following an extensive search and rescue effort.
The employees who lost their lives were Ricky McDonald, 53, of Chesapeake, Ohio and Bob Vance, 58, of Lexington, Kentucky. They had been employed with R. J. Corman for 6 years and 3 years, respectively.
We are in the process of gathering more information about the accident and are fully cooperating with an ongoing official investigation. However, the most current information we have indicates that our employees acted in a cautious manner and one in compliance with internal policies and road restrictions. Although initial reports incorrectly stated that R. J. Corman employees had evaded barricades and ignored road closure signs, South Carolina State Highway Patrol has confirmed reports that those signs and barricades were improperly placed, giving the employees the impression that only the opposite side of the road from which they were traversing was closed. Preliminary investigation reports lead us to believe the leading cause of the accident will be attributed to inadequate warning.
We are grateful to the first responders at the scene who assisted our employees and conducted the search for the missing men. Their dedication and professionalism are deeply appreciated.
We also wish to thank all those who have expressed their concern. While we are thankful for the safe return of three of the employees involved, we are deeply saddened by the loss of two of our own. We ask for continued thoughts and prayers for the families and loved ones of Mr. McDonald, Mr. Vance, the survivors and all those impacted as we cope with this difficult loss.
