COLUMBIA, S.C. — Two firefighters killed during Tropical Storm Helene in South Carolina were struck by a tree, authorities said.
The tree hit their fire truck around 6:30 a.m. Friday about 4 miles (6 kilometers) west of Batesburg-Leesville, South Carolina Highway Patrol Cpl. David Jones said. Both firefighters died at the scene.
The Saluda County Coroner’s Office has not released the names of the firefighters.
At least 17 people have been killed in South Carolina as Hurricane Helene tore through the western part of the state.