A fatal collision occurred at around 7:25 pm on Saturday night on SC Highway 121, 1.3 miles south of Whitmire, according to SC Highway Patrol Master Trooper Brandon Bolt.

Three vehicles were involved, including a 2006 Mazda 3 and a 2016 F150 that were both traveling south on Highway 121.  A 2017 Kia Sportage was traveling north, and drove left to center. This caused the Mazda to travel off the right side of the road and then be sideswiped by the Kia.

The Kia then struck the F150 head on, and the F150 then caught fire.

The driver of the F150 died at the scene.

Newberry County Coroner Laura Kneece has identified David Barker, 53, of Lexington, SC as the decedent in the collision. An autopsy has been scheduled for this week.

This incident remains under investigation of the Newberry County Coroner’s Office and South Carolina Highway Patrol.

The drivers and passengers of the other vehicles were treated for injuries, as necessary.

This incident continues to be investigated by the Newberry County Coroner’s Office, SC Highway Patrol and the MAIT unit.