News Summary
A tragic six-vehicle crash in Bluffton, South Carolina resulted in the death of local resident Juan Tahual-Lopez, 43. The incident occurred at the intersection of U.S. 278 and White Oak Circle, severely injuring several others. As the South Carolina Highway Patrol investigates, community members mourn the loss and reflect on the importance of road safety in the region.
Bluffton, South Carolina – Fatal Six-Vehicle Crash Claims Life of Local Man
A fatal crash involving six vehicles occurred at approximately 12:30 p.m. on Monday, May 19, 2025, at the intersection of U.S. 278 and White Oak Circle in Bluffton, South Carolina. The tragic incident resulted in the death of 43-year-old Juan Tahual-Lopez and left several others injured.
The collision involved three vehicles traveling west on U.S. 278—specifically a 2019 Ford pickup truck, a 2015 Lexus sedan, and a 2017 Toyota pickup truck—and three vehicles heading east, which included a 2019 Nissan sedan, a 2006 Chevrolet pickup truck, and a 2024 Toyota van. Eyewitness reports indicated that the Ford pickup truck collided with two westbound vehicles before crossing the median and crashing into the eastbound Nissan and Chevrolet trucks. The Toyota van subsequently struck both the Ford and Chevrolet.
Juan Tahual-Lopez, who was driving the Chevrolet truck, suffered fatal blunt force injuries and was pronounced dead at the scene. He was known in the community as a dedicated family man and a father of four. Following the crash, three other individuals, including the driver of the Ford truck and a passenger, were transported to a local hospital for treatment. Additionally, the driver of the Nissan sedan also sustained injuries and required hospitalization.
The South Carolina Highway Patrol (SCHP) is actively investigating the circumstances surrounding the crash. Deputy Chief Adam Corn of local traffic operations expressed condolences to the families affected by the incident. Significant delays were caused along U.S. 278 as traffic operations were conducted; the eastbound lanes were closed from approximately 12:40 p.m. until 5:20 p.m., leading to substantial backup. Drivers were advised to utilize Buckwalter Parkway as an alternate route during this time.
Background Context on Road Safety
In 2024, local authorities reported a troubling total of 26 fatalities on Beaufort County roadways. Contributing factors identified in previous fatal crashes in the area have included speeding and instances of drivers operating vehicles on the wrong side of the street. The SCHP continues to monitor traffic conditions and accidents to enhance road safety initiatives and reduce the occurrence of such tragic incidents.
As the investigation progresses, the Bluffton community is reminded of the importance of road safety and obeying traffic regulations to prevent future tragedies. The outpouring of condolences for Tahual-Lopez underscores the impact of this incident on family, friends, and the broader community.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
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One Dead, Three Injured in Six-Vehicle Crash in Bluffton
Multiple Fatal Collisions Leave Five Dead in South Carolina
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Additional Resources
- Island Packet: Fatal Collision in Bluffton
- Wikipedia: Traffic Collision
- WTOC: One Person Dead After Bluffton Crash
- Google Search: Bluffton Car Crash
- WSAV: Fatality Confirmed in Bluffton Accident
- Google Scholar: Road Safety
- WJCL: Traffic Gridlock Following Bluffton Crash
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Automobile Accident
- MSN: SC Highway Patrol Investigates Fatal Bluffton Crash
- Google News: Bluffton Traffic Accidents
Author: STAFF HERE BEAUFORT
The HERE Beaufort Staff Writers are a collaborative team of journalists, editors, and local contributors passionate about delivering accurate, timely information to the Beaufort community. As part of the HEREcity.com Network, which powers over 100 U.S. city sites including HEREcolumbia.com, our staff draws on collective experience in South Carolina journalism to cover everything from business sales and real estate developments to dining deals and community initiatives. Our Expertise and Background: Local Roots in Beaufort : Our team includes lifelong Beaufort residents and SC natives with deep knowledge of the area’s history, economy, and culture. We’ve covered key events like the recent sale of the historic Crofts Block Building, Beaufort’s equestrian heritage, and growth in local tech and education sectors (e.g., BeaufortTechnical College programs). Collective Experience: With over 50 combined years in journalism, our staff has backgrounds in print, digital media, and community reporting. We prioritize fact-based stories, drawing from sources like the Beaufort Chamber of Commerce, city government records, and on-the-ground interviews. Commitment to Quality: Every article is a group effort, involving research, editing, and verification to ensure reliability. We adhere to journalistic standards, citing credible sources and updating content as new details emerge.
