People from all over the State of South Carolina came to Columbia to honor fallen Richland County firefighter Chance Zobel, age 23. Zobel was killed in the line of duty after he was struck by a car while putting out a grass fire on I-20 near Clemson Road on Saturday.

The driver of the vehicle causing the incident, Neida Ortega, was charged with driving too fast for conditions and driving without a license. Ortega, a native of Mexico, had a Mexican driver’s license, but no South Carolina license. She admitted to authorities that she was in the country illegally. She has since been turned over to immigration officials and is facing deportation.

According to WIS TV,

the van Ortega was driving rear-ended a Chevy Impala sending it into the median on Interstate 20 near Clemson Road Saturday afternoon. The car hit two fire trucks before striking firefighters Chance Zobel and Larry Irvin who were tending to a brush fire.

Irvin is still in the hospital listed as stable, but critical condition.

The Strom Law Firm, LLC understands the impact that a work-related injury or death has upon you and your loved ones. The most important thing you need to focus on is a speedy recovery. You need an advocate who will seek justice on your behalf.

Contact one of the workers comp attorneys at the Strom Law Firm, LLC for a free consultation to discuss your legal rights. 866-490-2847.