The South Carolina Highway Patrol is searching for a motorist who allegedly caused a two-vehicle collision Tuesday then fled the scene without being identified. The accident, which jammed northbound I-77 traffic near Chester for two hours, left two people hurt.

At 1:40 p.m., near mile marker 57 in southeastern Chester County, a 1994 Volvo semi driven by Hollis Banks III of Reevesville, SC, was traveling south on the interstate. Driving next to Banks in the left lane was a white car with the unknown motorist.

Witnesses told officers the driver in the white car improperly attempted to change lanes, forcing Banks off the road, Lance Cpl. Bryan McDougald said. Banks swerved back onto the road but lost control of his rig, which was hauling a container. Banks' vehicle reportedly slid through the grass median, flipped and slid further into the northbound lane where a 1994 Honda struck it.

The two drivers involved in the accident were taken to a local hospital and later released. No charges have been filed, but McDougald said if the motorist is located they would be charged in the accident. Anyone with information should contact the Highway Patrol's District Four office at (803) 385-3107.
--Keith Goble, staff writer