Wagener-Salley High School Teacher Dies in Tragic Accident

A teacher at Wagener-Salley High School in South Carolina has tragically died after a power pole fell following an accident on Main Street North in Wagener. The incident has left the town in shock.

The Aiken County Coroner's Office has identified the teacher as 31-year-old Jeunelle Robinson. In honor of Robinson, a special time of prayer will be held around the flagpole at the school on Thursday morning.

Robinson was a Social Studies teacher at Wagener-Salley High School. Mayor Michael Miller acknowledged that small towns struggle to cope with unexpected situations like this one.

According to South Carolina Highway Patrol, the accident occurred when Robinson was walking southbound on Main Street during her lunch break and a Peterbilt tractor-trailer traveling north struck overhead powerlines. This caused a power pole to fall onto her path. Witnesses say she tried to avoid it but couldn't escape in time.

Emergency responders arrived promptly at the scene and did everything they could to assist Robinson. She was taken first to Aiken Regional Hospital and then flown to Augusta University for treatment. Unfortunately, she succumbed to her injuries.

Dominion Energy reported that several utility poles were broken by the truck, causing multiple power lines to fall in the area. Approximately 25 customers experienced an interruption in their electricity supply until power was restored around 5 p.m.

The proximity of the accident prompted officials from Wagener-Salley High School to place the school on soft lockdown as a precautionary measure and limit movement within its premises. Counselors will be available throughout the week for students and staff who require support during this difficult time.

As a result of this tragic event, all afterschool activities scheduled for Wednesday were canceled, as well as Friday's football game.

The community has rallied together to support the school and its staff. The Wagener Police Department expressed their condolences on Facebook, saying, "Our thoughts and prayers are with Wagner Salley High School staff, students, and teachers tonight." The police department also wished for healing for the injured teacher's family and friends.

The school released a statement expressing their grief over the loss of Robinson. They described her as genuine, sweet to everyone she encountered, and someone who had developed meaningful relationships with both colleagues and students during her time at the school.

An autopsy is scheduled for Thursday as South Carolina Highway Patrol, Aiken County Coroner’s Office, and Wagener Police Department continue their investigation into the crash.

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