News Summary
Over the weekend, Beaufort County experienced a series of motor vehicle accidents leading to several fatalities and injuries. Emergency responders dealt with an overturned vehicle fire early Monday, while pedestrian accidents raised safety concerns. Local officials urge residents to prioritize safety measures, especially for cyclists and pedestrians, during nighttime hours. Investigations are ongoing, and drivers are reminded of the dangers on the roads, particularly during early morning and late evening hours.
Beaufort County, SC – A series of motor vehicle accidents in Beaufort County over the weekend and into Monday, resulted in several casualties and injuries, prompting local authorities to urge safety measures among drivers, pedestrians, and cyclists.
On Monday morning at around 4:20 a.m., emergency responders from the City of Beaufort/Town of Port Royal Fire Department rushed to the scene of a crash at the intersection of County Shed Road and Eastern Road. Initial dispatch reports indicated that a vehicle had overturned and was on fire. Firefighters discovered a single vehicle fully engulfed in flames upon arrival. A thorough search of the vehicle and the surrounding area revealed no occupants present. Fire crews spent approximately 1.5 hours on the scene to ensure the fire was completely extinguished and the area was safe.
On the same day, Assistant Fire Chief Dan Byrne raised concerns following two separate pedestrian-related fatal accidents on US-21 in Burton that occurred the previous day, Sunday morning. The first of these incidents involved a collision between two vehicles and a pedestrian shortly after midnight. Approximately six hours later, a cyclist named Vick Smalls was struck by a vehicle whose driver subsequently fled the scene. Authorities are actively searching for a vehicle involved in the hit-and-run, identifying it as either a 1990s Ford Truck or an early 2000s Ford SUV. Witnesses or anyone with information are encouraged to contact the SC Highway Patrol to assist in the investigation.
In light of these tragedies, Fire Chief Byrne advised both pedestrians and cyclists to take extra caution when traveling, suggesting they utilize well-lit areas and wear reflective clothing during nighttime hours.
Further incidents in the area included a vehicle crash on Highway 171 that took place at around 2:15 p.m. on the same day. This crash involved a vehicle and a home, both catching fire as a result. The driver sustained minor injuries and was taken to the hospital, while another resident in the home received treatment for minor injuries at the scene. The Highway Patrol reported that the driver had run off the road and struck the house. A good Samaritan was credited with rescuing the driver from the burning wreckage. Additionally, a log truck rolled into a ditch across the street from the scene, but the driver of that truck was unharmed.
Earlier in the weekend, on Saturday morning, a more tragic event occurred when a driver died in a fiery accident. This crash occurred on Highway 278 near Squire Pope Road when a 2013 Mini Cooper hit a tree and overturned, resulting in the driver’s death at the scene. The identity of the deceased has yet to be released by the Beaufort County Coroner’s Office.
Another notable incident was reported on January 10, when US 264 in Beaufort County was shut down due to a multi-vehicle collision involving a gas tanker. The tanker, which was transporting 2,600 gallons of fuel, caught fire following the crash. Emergency responders acted swiftly to extinguish the flames. Both drivers involved in this accident were transported to the hospital with minor injuries. Cleanup and repairs were necessary before the road could be safely reopened.
The series of accidents serve as a stark reminder of the potential dangers on the roads, especially during the early morning and late evening hours. Local authorities are reiterating the importance of safety protocols to prevent further tragedies in the community.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Beaufort County Community Events: Poll Worker Training and Fourth of July Celebrations
Serious Accidents Cause Traffic Disruptions in Beaufort County
Safety Concerns Rise in Beaufort County After Fatal Incidents
Major Multi-Vehicle Collision Claims Two Lives and Injures 26 in Colleton County
Driver Killed in Collision with Tree on Hilton Head Island
Beaufort Fire Alarm at Hospital Activated, No Smoke Found
Fatal Collision in Hilton Head Claims Driver’s Life
Fatal Car Crash on Hilton Head Island
Tragic Boating Accident Claims Two Lives Near Hilton Head Island
Fatal Crash on US 278 in Hilton Head
Additional Resources
- WTOC: Beaufort Co. Fire Department Asks People to be Safe on Roadways
- Wikipedia: Road Safety
- WITN: Vehicle Hits House, Both Catch Fire
- Google Search: Vehicle Safety Accidents
- Live 5 News: Driver Dies in Beaufort County Crash
- Google Scholar: Road Accidents and Safety
- WCTI: Hwy 264 E. Closed After Tanker Fire
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Traffic Accidents
- Island Packet: Local Crime News
- Google News: Beaufort County 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.
