Driver Charged in Fatal Lexington County Wreck

A 53-year-old man faces two charges including leaving the scene of a collision involving death after a fatal crash in Lexington County Friday afternoon, according to the South Carolina Highway Patrol.

Contreras Martinez, 53, was taken to the Lexington County Detention Center after a fatal collision around 3 p.m. Friday on Cedar Grove Road in Leesville.

Martinez was driving a tractor pulling a plow eastbound on Cedar Grove Road when the driver of a 2001 Ford Crown Victoria, who was traveling westbound, struck part of the plow.

The driver, who has not been identified, lost control of the vehicle, ran off the road and hit a tree, troopers said. 

The driver was wearing a seat belt.

Authorities have charged Martinez with leaving the scene of a collision involving death and driving left of center. 

The accident remains under investigation by the South Carolina Highway Patrol.