By Shavonne Walker

shavonne.walker@salisburypost.com

CHESTER COUNTY, SC — A Salisbury woman was killed this morning when the vehicle she was riding in was struck in a hit-and-run on Interstate 77 in South Carolina.

Flora Merinda Ellenburg, 49, died at the scene, according to a S.C. Highway Patrol report.

The two-vehicle collision occurred at 3:45 a.m. near mile marker 59, said Lance Cpl. Gary Miller.

Ellenburg was a passenger in a 2000 Ford Explorer driven by Christopher Pringle, 36, of Orangeburg, S.C. The vehicle was struck from the rear by what officials believe was a tractor-trailer. Pringle lost control of the sport utility vehicle. It wound up in the median and overturned.

The tractor trailer-driver did not stop when the wreck occurred, Miller said. Both vehicles were traveling north on the interstate.

Pringle was wearing a seat belt and was injured. He was taken to Carolinas Medical Center-Main. Ellenburg was not wearing a seat belt, Trooper Miller said.

Officials said the tractor-trailer should have some damage to the right front corner and possibly the wheel well.

Anyone with information about the collision or the vehicle involved is asked to contact the S.C. Highway Patrol at 800-768-1504 or call anonymously to 1-888-274-6372.