The S.C. Highway Patrol is investigating a one-car crash near Sheldon on Wednesday that claimed two lives.

Investigators say Emily Thomas, 72, of Yemassee, and Freddy Chaplin, 78, of St. Helena Island were traveling west on River Road at about 4 p.m. near its intersection with Big Estate Road when Thomas lost control of the vehicle.

The car crossed the center line before crashing into several trees, causing the vehicle to overturn, said Lance Cpl. Judd Jones, highway patrol spokesman.

Thomas and Chaplin were pronounced dead at the scene, he said. Both were wearing seat belts, Jones said.

No other injuries were reported.

The highway patrol is investigating the crash and was still on scene hours after the fatal incident, Jones said.

Follow reporter Patrick Donohue at twitter.com/ProtectServeBft.