SANDY RUN -- A trip home from a local grocery store turned fatal for a Gaston woman killed in a two-car collision Monday.

Judith Caraballo, 57, of 417 Kaizer Road, Gaston, died after her car was rear-ended in front of her own home around 12:59 p.m. Monday, Calhoun County Coroner Donnie Porth said.

"She was actually waiting on a car to pass before she attempted to turn into her house," Porth said. "It looked like she had just gotten back from grocery shopping."

Porth said Caraballo was originally scheduled to be airlifted to Palmetto Richland Memorial Hospital in Columbia. She was, however, diverted to another Level III trauma hospital in Augusta, Ga. Caraballo clung to life for several hours before being pronounced dead at 4:16 p.m.

"She had internal bleeding caused by massive internal injuries," Porth said. "She died on the operating table at the Medical College of Georgia in Augusta."

S.C. Highway Patrol District 7 spokesman Lance Cpl. Dwight Green said a 2000 Chrysler driven by Terry H. Pound, of St. Matthews, was traveling behind Caraballo near the junction of Highway 176 and Highway 21.

"The driver of the Chrysler was driving too fast for conditions and collided with the rear of the Ford Escort," Green said. "The driver of the Ford Escort was LifeReached out" and Pound was transported to Lexington Memorial Hospital.

He was first treated at the scene for minor injuries by Calhoun County EMS personnel.

Green said Pound has been charged with driving too fast for conditions. Other charges may be pending further investigation.

Green said all parties were wearing seat belts.

Senior Trooper L.L. Adams is continuing the investigation.

T&D Staff Writer Richard Walker can be reached by e-mail at rwalker@timesanddemocrat.com or by phone at 803-533-5516.

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