SALUDA COUNTY, S.C. — Authorities have released the name of a man who died in a fire at his home and business on Thursday morning in Saluda County.
The Saluda County Coroner's Office said several fire stations and Saluda County Emergency Medical Services responded to the Circle area off Columbia Highway on Thursday morning, where they found a building burning heavily. Fire crews found the victim, identified as 72-year-old Timothy Bruce Smith of Leesville, inside the building, described as his business and dwelling.
Smith was taken by helicopter to Prisma Health Richland's trauma unit; however, he died from his injuries later the same day. Fire officials with the Saluda Fire Department said the fire was reported around 3:30 a.m., but heavy fire was already coming from the structure when they arrived.
Crews from the Circle, Hollywood, Ridge Spring, Midlands, Batesburg-Leesville and Saluda County fire departments also responded. Saluda and Hollywood firefighters were credited with pulling the victim from the home.
The coroner's office said the Saluda County Sheriff's Office, South Carolina Law Enforcement Division and Saluda County Fire Service are also investigating the fire and the man's death.
