Update: Woman charged with DUI in connection to crash that killed 23-year-old Monday

Editor’s Note: The story was updated to say it is not clear who was taken to the hospital.

A woman has been arrested in connection to a three-vehicle crash along U.S. 501 Monday that resulted in a South Carolina woman’s death and left multiple people injured near Aynor.

Vianey Martinez, 43, was charged with driving under the influence which led to death, open container in vehicle and driving without a license, according to online booking records. She was arrested Monday.

Samantha Peeler, 23, a front seat passenger in one of the vehicles, died at the scene of the crash, according to Horry County Deputy Coroner Patty Bellamy. She was from Gaffney.

The South Carolina Highway Patrol investigated the collision at U.S. 501 near Pee Dee Road at 4:15 p.m., Master Trooper Gary Miller said.

A Chevy Equinox, which had two occupants, was traveling east and attempting to cross U.S. 501 when it hit a Dodge Ram and then a Dodge Journey that were traveling north on the highway, according to Miller.

The Equinox then crossed the center of the road and hit a tree.

Peeler was one of three occupants in the the Dodge Ram.

The the sole occupant in the Dodge Journey did not suffer any life-threatening injuries, according to police.

It is not clear who was transported to the hospital or who signed medical transport waivers. But Horry County Fire Rescue spokesman Tony Casey said three people were hospitalized and two people signed waivers.

The highway patrol is investigating.

This story was originally published May 16, 2023 at 8:43 AM.