Drivers die when 2 cars slam into each other south of Saluda

The Saluda County Coroner’s Office has identified two people who were killed after colliding at a highway intersection in Saluda County, we learned on Monday.
Published: Jan. 27, 2025 at 8:25 AM EST|Updated: Jan. 27, 2025 at 10:11 AM EST
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SALUDA, S.C. (WRDW/WAGT) - The Saluda County Coroner’s Office has identified two people who were killed after colliding at a highway intersection in Saluda County, we learned on Monday.

Saluda County Coroner Angie F. Rita identified the two drivers as Jashaun Jy Quez Howard, 22, of Vienna, Ga. and Agustin Ensaldo-Martinez, 22, of Johnston, S.C.

South Carolina Highway Patrol says they responded to a fatal accident involving two vehicles on S.C. 121 Highway at JDM Road, which is nine miles south of Saluda, on Sunday around 10:17 p.m.

A 2014 Dodge Journey was traveling north on Johnston Highway and a 2001 GMC Yukon was traveling south when they collided at the intersection.

Both drivers were pronounced dead at the scene, according to patrol officers.

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The two engers of the GMC Yukon were injured and taken to an area hospital, authorities say.

Saluda County dispatchers, Saluda County EMS, Saluda County Fire Service, Saluda County Sheriff’s Office, Saluda County Coroner’s Office, Johnston Fire Department and South Carolina Highway Patrol all responded to the scene, authorities say.

The fatal collision is being investigated by the South Carolina Highway Patrol and the coroner’s office.

Autopsies are scheduled for later this week, Rita says.

“We extend our heartfelt sympathies to the family and friends of Mr. Howard and Mr. Ensaldo-Martinez,” the coroner’s office states.